Industrial and battery-grade propylene carbonate for the U.S. market. High-boiling, high-dielectric cyclic carbonate solvent used in Li-ion and Na-ion battery electrolytes, Fluor Solvent CO₂ scrubbing, NMP replacement, and cosmetics. Non-flammable under DOT — flash point 132°C. COA, SDS, and full traceability with every order.
Industrial and battery purity tiers — each grade ships with a lot-specific certificate of analysis.
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.5% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤500 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤0.01% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Propylene glycol | ≤0.1% |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.02% |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.9% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤50 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤5 ppm |
| Total metals | ≤1 ppm each |
| Color (APHA) | ≤5 |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤5 ppm |
| Chemical Name | Propylene Carbonate |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | PC |
| CAS Number | 108-32-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₆O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 102.09 g/mol |
| EINECS Number | 203-572-1 |
| TSCA Status | Listed on TSCA inventory |
| Transport Class | Combustible liquid (flash point >60°C; not DOT Class 3) |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 241.7°C (467°F) |
| Melting Point | -48.8°C (-56°F) |
| Flash Point | 132°C (270°F, closed cup) |
| Density @ 20°C | 1.204 g/mL (10.04 lb/gal) |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | 2.5 mPa·s |
| Dielectric Constant @ 25°C | 65.0 |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.4189 |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20°C | <0.1 hPa |
| Water Solubility | ~17% (partially miscible) |
PC combines high boiling point, high dielectric constant, very low vapor pressure, and non-flammable handling — making it valuable in battery, industrial, and specialty chemical applications.
Propylene carbonate is a key electrolyte co-solvent in sodium-ion (Na-ion) and specialty lithium-ion battery applications. Its high dielectric constant (ε=65) enables strong salt dissociation and ionic conductivity with NaPF₆ and LiPF₆ electrolyte salts. PC's wide liquid range (-49°C to 242°C) supports extreme-temperature operation. In sodium-ion batteries with hard-carbon anodes, PC is electrochemically compatible and does not cause the co-intercalation and anode exfoliation that EC can cause with graphite in Li-ion cells. Battery-grade PC (≥99.9%, moisture ≤50 ppm, metals ≤1 ppm) is required for electrolyte applications.
The Fluor Solvent process (licensed by Fluor Corporation) uses propylene carbonate as the physical absorption solvent to remove CO₂, H₂S, COS, and other acid gases from natural gas, synthesis gas, and industrial streams. PC is selected because of its high acid-gas solubility, very low vapor pressure (minimal solvent losses), chemical inertness under process conditions, non-corrosive behavior, and easy regeneration by pressure let-down — no thermal regeneration required. PC absorbs selectively and recovers cleanly, making the process highly energy-efficient compared to chemical scrubbing with amines.
Propylene carbonate is increasingly adopted as a safer industrial solvent to replace NMP (N-methylpyrrolidone) and DCM (dichloromethane). NMP is classified as a reproductive toxicant under EU REACH and subject to strict use restrictions — PC offers comparable solvating power for PVDF, polyimides, and polar polymers without the reproductive hazard classification. Unlike DCM, PC contains no chlorine and generates no halogen waste streams. PC's very low vapor pressure (<0.1 hPa) reduces evaporative losses and workplace inhalation exposure, and its 132°C flash point eliminates flammability concerns during processing.
Propylene carbonate is an INCI-listed cosmetic ingredient used as a solvent, carrier, and solubilizing agent in sunscreens, serums, hair care, and aerosol formulations. Its low volatility, near-odorless character, good skin tolerability, and solvating power for UV filters, vitamins, and lipophilic actives make it practical for leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic systems. PC is approved under the EU Cosmetics Regulation and widely referenced in international INCI formulations.
Handling advantage — non-flammable under DOT: With a flash point of 132°C, propylene carbonate is not classified as a DOT hazardous material for transport. This dramatically simplifies logistics compared to low-flash carbonate solvents (DMC, EMC, DEC). Standard non-hazmat carriers can ship PC, reducing freight complexity and cost at scale.
From R&D samples to bulk quantities. Contact us for pricing, MOQ, and lead times.
All documentation available on request via the quote form below.
Propylene carbonate (CAS 108-32-7) is a cyclic organic carbonate with formula C₄H₆O₃ and MW 102.09 g/mol. It is a colorless, high-boiling liquid (BP 241.7°C) with a high dielectric constant (ε=65.0), very low vapor pressure, and flash point of 132°C. PC is used as a battery electrolyte co-solvent, industrial solvent (NMP/DCM replacement), CO₂ absorption solvent (Fluor Solvent process), and cosmetics ingredient.
Yes — PC is particularly well-suited for sodium-ion (Na-ion) electrolytes. Hard-carbon Na-ion anodes are electrochemically compatible with PC, unlike graphite/Li-ion systems where PC can cause co-intercalation and exfoliation. PC's high dielectric constant aids NaPF₆ dissolution and its wide liquid temperature range supports broad operating conditions. As Na-ion batteries scale for grid storage and low-cost EVs, PC is a primary electrolyte component.
The Fluor Solvent process is a physical gas sweetening technology that uses propylene carbonate to absorb CO₂, H₂S, and acid gases from high-pressure gas streams. PC is chosen for its high acid-gas solubility, minimal vapor pressure (low solvent loss), chemical stability, and ability to regenerate simply by pressure reduction — with no heat input required. It is widely used in natural gas processing and syngas purification plants globally.
No — propylene carbonate is not classified as a DOT hazardous material. Its flash point of 132°C is well above the 60°C threshold for flammable liquids. Standard non-hazmat freight carriers can handle PC shipments, reducing logistics complexity and cost compared to low-flash-point carbonate solvents like DMC, EMC, or DEC.
Yes. PC is a lower-toxicity solvent for PVDF binder systems used in Li-ion battery electrode manufacturing — the primary NMP application. PC offers comparable PVDF dissolution without NMP's reproductive toxicity concerns (EU REACH SVHC). Its high boiling point and low vapor pressure also reduce evaporative losses and allow efficient solvent recovery in closed-loop systems.
CARMELSOLV™ supplies PC in sample/R&D quantities, 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon (208L) steel drums, 275–330 gallon IBC totes, and bulk tanker quantities. Contact us for current pricing and lead times for your required volume and grade.
Yes. CAS 108-32-7 is listed on the U.S. EPA TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory and is fully compliant for commercial import and distribution in the United States. CARMELSOLV™ imports and distributes PC in full compliance with U.S. import and chemical regulations.
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