CompoundList

1,3-Propanediol

Also known as Propane-1,3-diol, Trimethylene glycol, 1,3-Dihydroxypropane

1,3-Propanediol chemical structure, C3H8O2, CAS 504-63-2
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Colorless to pale yellow, very viscid liquid
Boiling point
210 to 212
Density
1.0597 at 20 °C/4 °C
Flash point
345 °C
Solubility
Miscible with water
HS code
290539
Category
Alcohol and glycol solvents
Illustrative photo, 25 litre white jerry cans of liquid in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is 1,3-Propanediol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Propane-1,3-diol is the simplest member of the class of propane-1,3-diols, consisting of propane in which one hydrogen from each methyl group is substituted by a hydroxy group. A colourless, viscous, water-miscible liquid with a high (210C) boiling point, it is used in the synthesis of certain polymers and as a solvent and antifreeze. It has a role as a metabolite and a protic solvent.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
propane-1,3-diol
CAS number
504-63-2 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 31714-45-1, 345260-48-2
EC number
207-997-3
Molecular formula
C3H8O2
UNII
5965N8W85T
MDL number
MFCD00002949
INCI name
POLYPROPANEDIOL-4, POLYPROPANEDIOL-8, PROPANEDIOL
InChIKey
YPFDHNVEDLHUCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H8O2/c4-2-1-3-5/h4-5H,1-3H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(CO)CO

Synonyms

  • Propane-1,3-diol
  • Trimethylene glycol
  • 1,3-Dihydroxypropane
  • 1,3-Propylene glycol
  • 2-Deoxyglycerol
  • 1,3-Propylenediol
  • beta-Propylene glycol
  • 2-(Hydroxymethyl)ethanol
  • omega-Propanediol
  • 1,3-Propandiol
  • HOCH2CH2CH2OH
  • HO(CH2)3OH
  • 3-hydroxypropanol
  • 1,3 propanediol
  • 1.3-propanediol
  • propane-1,3diol
  • propane1,3-diol
  • propane1.3-diol
  • 1,3 propandiol
  • propan-1,3-diol
  • 1,3 -propanediol
  • 1,3- propanediol
  • 1,3-propane diol
  • 1,3-propane-diol
  • propane 1,3-diol
Show all 36 synonyms
  • propane 1.3-diol
  • propane diol-1,3
  • propane-1-3-diol
  • propane-1.3-diol
  • 1,3-propyleneglycol
  • propane-1, 3-diol
  • propanediol-(1,3)
  • Propanediol
  • 1,3-Propanediol, 98%
  • 1,3-Propanediol (Standard)
  • (HOCH2)2CH2

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless to pale yellow, very viscid liquidexp.
Taste
Sweetexp.
Boiling point
210 to 212exp.
Density
1.0597 at 20 °C/4 °Cexp.
Flash point
345 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
400 °Cexp.
Solubility
Miscible with waterexp.
Vapour pressure
0.0441 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
76.10 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
76.0524 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.64calc.
Topological polar surface area
40.46 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
5calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant
210NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
Precautionary statements (6)
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

1,3-Propanediol suppliers

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Where suppliers are based

114 suppliers in 17 countries

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1,3-Propanediol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

1,3-Propanediol (PDO) is mainly used for making polytrimethylene terephthalate polymer, which is used in fibers and fabrics, for example, carpets, textiles, engineering thermoplastics, nonwovens, films, and monofilaments. PDO finds also use as chain extender in thermoplastic polyurethanes, where it contributes to improved thermal, hydrolytic and dimensional stability. In adipate polyesters with other diols these diols are partly substituted by 1,3-propanediol to break crystallinity in order to obtain liquid polyester polyols. In polyesters for powder coatings PDO improves the flexibility but lowers the glass transition temperature somewhat.

Read more

PDO finds also uses in cosmetics and personal care products, engine coolants, and solvents for ink-jet and screen inks.

Industrial uses: functional fluids (open system), intermediates, solvents (for cleaning or degreasing), solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture) Consumer uses: anti-freeze and de-icing products, apparel and footwear care products, building/construction materials, floor coverings, ink, toner and colorant products, laundry and dishwashing products, personal care products.

Intermediate, especially for polyesters.

Polymers, foods, lubricants, medicines, intermediate for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds.

Industrial uses: Polymerization promoter.

Use classes: Enzymes and Enzyme Stabilizers, Solvents, Safer Chemical Classes.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name PROPANEDIOL(solvent, viscosity controlling)

Roles

  • Bronsted acid
  • acid
  • donor
  • metabolite
  • polar solvent
  • protic solvent
  • solvent

Functional uses

  • Chemical reaction regulator
  • Emulsifier
  • Fragrance
  • Humectant
  • Plasticizer
  • Softener and conditioner
  • Solvent
  • Stabilizing agent
  • Surfactant (surface active agent)
  • Viscosity modifier

Cosmetic functions

  • Emulsion stabilising
  • Humectant
  • Plasticiser
  • Skin conditioning
  • Solvent
  • Surfactant - cleansing
  • Surfactant - emulsifying
  • Viscosity controlling

How it is made

One commercial route to 1,3-propanediol starts from acrolein. The addition of water under mild acidic conditions gives 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde with high selectivity. Preferentially buffer solutions with a pH 4-5 or weak acidic ion exchange resins are used as catalysts. Further hydrogenation of this aqueous solutions gives 1,3-propanediol. There is an alternative route via hydroformylation of ethylene oxide and subsequent hydrogenation of the intermediate 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde. More recently a fermentation route from corn sugar has been commercialized.

Prepared by reduction of ethyl glycidate with lithium aluminum hydride.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code 1,3-Propanediol is traded under.

HS 2905.39Indicative HS code

Diols, other

World exports in 2024
$1.92B
−3.5% vs 2023, imports $2B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China22.3%
  2. United States17.9%
  3. Germany16.1%
Top importers
  1. Germany12.0%
  2. China11.3%
  3. South Korea10.5%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for 1,3-Propanediol is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about 1,3-Propanediol, based on the data on this page

What is 1,3-Propanediol?

Propane-1,3-diol is the simplest member of the class of propane-1,3-diols, consisting of propane in which one hydrogen from each methyl group is substituted by a hydroxy group.

What is the CAS number of 1,3-Propanediol?

The CAS registry number of 1,3-Propanediol is 504-63-2. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 31714-45-1, 345260-48-2.

What is the molecular formula and weight of 1,3-Propanediol?

The molecular formula of 1,3-Propanediol is C3H8O2 and its molar mass is 76.10 g/mol.

What is 1,3-Propanediol used for?

1,3-Propanediol (PDO) is mainly used for making polytrimethylene terephthalate polymer, which is used in fibers and fabrics, for example, carpets, textiles, engineering thermoplastics, nonwovens, films, and monofilaments.

Is 1,3-Propanediol hazardous?

1,3-Propanediol carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes skin irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of 1,3-Propanediol?

1,3-Propanediol is usually classified under HS code 290539 (Diols, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy 1,3-Propanediol?

CompoundList lists 114 suppliers of 1,3-Propanediol in China, United States, Germany, United Kingdom and 13 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy 1,3-Propanediol in India?

1 supplier in India list 1,3-Propanediol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of 1,3-Propanediol?

Suppliers quote 1,3-Propanediol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle 1,3-Propanediol

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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