1,3-Propanediol

1,3-Propanediol丨CAS 504-63-2 is a versatile bio-based or petrochemical diol with two terminal hydroxyl groups. It is widely used in polymers, solvents, personal care, and industrial applications. PDO can be produced biotechnologically (e.g., from corn sugar via fermentation) or by chemical synthesis (e.g., from acrolein or ethylene oxide).

The renewable version of PDO, often labeled as bio-PDO, is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative in materials and consumer products.

Appearance	Colorless liquid
Assay	99.9% min
Color	10.0 Hazen max
Water	0.05% max
Acidity	0.013% max

1. Polymer Industry

PDO is a key monomer in the production of various polyesters and polyurethanes, especially:

a. Polytrimethylene Terephthalate (PTT)

● A polyester made from PDO and terephthalic acid

● Used in textiles, carpets, automotive parts, and apparel

● Offers softness, stretch recovery, durability, and stain resistance

● Trade name examples: Sorona® (DuPont)

b. Polyurethane Systems

● PDO acts as a chain extender in flexible and rigid polyurethane foams

● Enhances mechanical strength, flexibility, and hydrolytic stability

2. Solvent and Chemical Intermediate

PDO serves as a green solvent and a building block in chemical synthesis:

● Solvent in paints, coatings, and inks: Good solvency, low toxicity

● Intermediate in producing cyclic compounds, esters, and other diols

● Compatible with glycol ethers and alcohols

3. Personal Care and Cosmetics

1,3-Propanediol is used as:

● Humectant: Attracts and retains moisture in skin and hair

● Emollient: Improves skin feel and spreadability

● Preservative booster: Enhances efficacy of antimicrobial agents

● Natural alternative to propylene glycol and butylene glycol

It is used in:

● Skin creams and lotions

● Hair conditioners

● Deodorants

● Toothpastes

Because it is often derived from non-GMO, bio-based feedstocks, it is ideal for natural and eco-friendly formulations.

4. Pharmaceuticals and Medical

1,3-Propanediol丨CAS 504-63-2 is used in:

● Drug formulations as a solubilizer and stabilizer

● Medical polymers and hydrogels

● Topical applications due to its low irritation profile

5. Antifreeze and Heat Transfer Fluids

As a diol, 1,3-propanediol can serve in low-freezing point formulations, often as:

● Component in antifreeze/coolants

● Heat transfer fluid in geothermal or solar heating systems

● Non-toxic alternative to ethylene glycol in sensitive environments

6. Resins, Adhesives, and Coatings

PDO contributes to:

● Flexible and durable adhesives

● Water-based coatings

● Low-VOC formulations

It enhances:

● Adhesion

● Drying time

● Gloss and weather resistance

1. Renewable and Sustainable (Bio-PDO)

● Produced via fermentation of glucose (e.g., corn sugar)

● Lower carbon footprint compared to petrochemical alternatives

● Biodegradable and aligned with green chemistry principles

2. Low Toxicity and Irritation

● Safe for use in cosmetics, personal care, and food contact applications

● Low volatility, non-sensitizing, and generally non-irritating

3. Excellent Solvent and Humectant

● High compatibility with water and many organics

● Retains moisture in skin and formulations without greasiness

4. Superior Polymer Performance

● Enhances mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties

● Improves softness and resilience in textiles and foams

5. Versatile Reactivity

● Reactive hydroxyl groups allow for broad utility in esterification, etherification, and polymerization

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