Properties of Propylene Glycol (C3H8O2)

Propylene glycol is a synthetic organic compound with a chemical formula C3H8O2. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is commonly used in various industrial and consumer products.

The following table provides a comprehensive list of propylene glycol properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Propylene Glycol Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Molar Mass76.09 g/mol
Density1040 kg/m3
Dynamic Viscosity54.65 mPa·s
Surface Tension36.51 mN/m
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point-60 °C
Boiling Point188.2 °C
Thermal Conductivity (25°C)0.2 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)2533 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αV)6.95×10-4 1/°C
Vapor Pressure0.01 kPa
Critical ConstantsMetric
Critical Temperature (Tc)403 °C
Critical Pressure (Pc)5.9 MPa
Critical Molar Volume (Vc)237 cm3/mol
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Relative Permittivity (εr) (30°C)27.5
Optical PropertiesMetric
Refractive Index (589 nm)1.431
Hazardous DataMetric
Flash Point99 °C
Autoignition Temperature371 °C
Lower Flammability Limit2.6%
Upper Flammability Limit12.5%
NFPA Rating (Health)0
NFPA Rating (Fire)1
NFPA Rating (Reactivity)0

Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.