Glycerin vs propylene glycol
Glycerin (C3H8O3, CAS 56-81-5) and propylene glycol (C3H8O2, CAS 57-55-6) are both listed under alcohol and glycol solvents.
Glycerin has a molar mass of 92.09 g/mol, propylene glycol 76.10 g/mol.
Measured boiling points are 290 °C for glycerin and 187.6 °C for propylene glycol.
On CompoundList, 992 suppliers list glycerin and 757 suppliers list propylene glycol.
Data last updated 7 October 2026
| Identity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name in our database | Glycerol | Propylene glycol |
| CAS number | 56-81-5 | 57-55-6 |
| Molecular formula | C3H8O3 | C3H8O2 |
| Molar mass | 92.09 g/mol | 76.10 g/mol |
| IUPAC name | propane-1,2,3-triol | propane-1,2-diol |
| EC number | 200-289-5 | 200-338-0 |
| Physical properties | ||
| Appearance | Syrupy, rhombic plates | Colorless viscous liquid |
| Melting point | 18.1 °C | -60 °C |
| Boiling point | 290 °C | 187.6 °C |
| Density | 1.2613 g/cm³ at 20 °C | 1.0361 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Flash point | 177 °C | 104 °C |
| Solubility | In water, 5.296 × 10⁺⁶ mg/L at 25 °C | In water, 1 × 10⁺⁶ mg/L at 20 °C /miscible/ |
| LogP (octanol/water)Computed from the structure | -1.67 | -0.64 |
| Safety (GHS) | ||
| Signal word | None | None |
| Pictograms | None | None |
| Hazard statements | No hazard statements recorded | No hazard statements recorded |
| Uses and classification | ||
| Uses and functions |
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|
| Category | Petrochemicals and solvents › Alcohol and glycol solvents | Pharmaceuticals and APIs › Pharmaceutical excipients |
| HS code | 290545Glycerol | 290532Propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol) |
| Market on CompoundList | ||
| Suppliers | 992 suppliers | 757 suppliers |
| Supplier countries | 78 countries, most in India, United States, China | 59 countries, most in China, United States, India |
| Price rangeOnly prices set by suppliers who manage their own profile | Price on request | Price on request |
Measured and computed values as shown on each chemical page, plus live listings on CompoundList. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Safety data is a summary, not an SDS.
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