Propylene Carbonate

Other names: Propylene carbonate, 4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one

Propylene Carbonate, also known by the names Propylene Carbonate or 4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C4H6O3. We use the name "Propylene Carbonate" to refer to the fact that the molecule is derived from propylene and carbonate. The compound is a colourless or pale yellow liquid with a characteristic, slightly fruity odour. Propylene carbonate has a wide range of uses, primarily due to its chemical properties such as its high boiling point, its ability to mix with water and organic solvents, and its polarity.

Propylene carbonate is used in many different industries. In the cosmetic industry, it is often used as an ingredient in skin moisturizing and cleansing products. It is also often used as a solvent, for example in paints, adhesives and coatings. In the chemical industry, it is used as a raw material for the production of polycarbonates, which are then used to manufacture various plastic products. In the automotive industry, propylene carbonate is used as a component of electrolytes in lithium batteries, which are used in hybrid and electric cars. This trend is expected to continue in the future as propylene carbonate is being evaluated as one of the potential raw materials for the production of high performance lithium batteries.