Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether, widely identified by its CAS number, is a versatile chemical often used in the coatings and industrial cleaning sectors. This compound features a molecular formula and a molecular weight as outlined in authoritative chemical registries. For precise chemical identification, its IUPAC name and InChIKey provide unambiguous descriptors, ensuring clarity for researchers and procurement specialists. Within the chemical industry, Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether is categorized primarily as a reagent and industrial intermediate, reflecting its broad range of technical functions rather than medicinal or excipient use.
Turning to its physical and chemical characteristics, this substance exhibits a series of traits highly valued by formulators in industrial settings. Its boiling point and melting point, along with density and other essential attributes, position it as a cost-effective solvent for challenging applications. The flash point and vapor pressure further underscore its utility and safety profile in large-scale environments, making it a staple in both ambient and temperature-controlled processes.
From a regulatory perspective, Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether is listed under REACH registration, as confirmed by European Chemicals Agency dossiers, and appears on the TSCA inventory per relevant U.S. Environmental Protection Agency references. ICH guidelines designate this solvent within international safety boundaries, including its full code, revision, and specific allowable limits as recognized by pharmaceutical and industrial authorities. In terms of workplace safety, the chemical's GHS hazard classification details all applicable hazard phrases and the designated signal word, supporting robust risk management protocols. The inclusion or absence of OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits and NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits further refines its risk profile for responsible handlers.
Within the context of practical use, this glycol ether is a mainstay solvent and cleaning agent. Its superior solvency powers a wide array of formulations for paints, primers, inks, and especially water-based coating systems, enabling uniform application and rapid drying. In industrial cleaning operations, it effectively dissolves greases, resins, oils, and a variety of organic contaminants, optimizing both manual and automated cleaning cycles. Although not typically associated with any specific active pharmaceutical ingredient synthesis, its prominent role as a solvent in chemical processing indirectly supports the manufacture and purification of diverse industrial and pharmaceutical products.
As for logistics, suppliers typically provide Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether in packaging options such as 25-kilogram drums, 200-kilogram drums, and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), catering to varying scale requirements. Storage recommendations, derived from its chemical stability and GHS data, emphasize the need for cool, well-ventilated, and dry facilities, protected from sources of ignition and direct sunlight. Industry standards suggest that, when stored under recommended conditions, this glycol ether retains optimal performance for a shelf life typical of its chemical class.
References for the above information can be found through primary data sources, including the PubChem record at https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/, the NIST Chemistry WebBook at https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?Name=, the European Chemicals Agency at their official REACH dossier interface, and the EPA TSCA Inventory at https://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory.
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