Dipropylene Glycol

Product Safety Assessment

Dipropylene Glycol

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Names

Product Overview

Manufacture of Product

Product Description

Product Uses

Exposure Potential

Health Information

Environmental Information

Physical Hazard Information

Regulatory Information

Additional Information

References

Names

?CAS No. 25265-71-8 (Isomer mixture) ?Oxybispropanol

?Dipropylene glycol (DPG) ?Di-1,2-propyleneglycol

Product Overview

?Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is a colorless, practically odorless liquid with a medium viscosity.

DPG is completely soluble in water and hygroscopic (attracts water from the atmosphere).1 The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) manufactures and markets two grades of DPG: regular grade and a high-purity, low-odor product called Dipropylene Glycol LO+. See Product

Description.

?DPG is used in the production of polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers.2 DPG is also used as a solvent, humectant, and coupling agent. DPG LO+ is a solvent for many

fragrance and cosmetic/personal-care items, such as perfumes, skin-care products,

deodorants, hair-care products, and many others.3 See Product Uses.

?After review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), DPG was not recommended for further hazard assessment, as DPG is not considered a hazardous chemical as defined by most jurisdictions.4 It is stable under recommended storage

conditions. Contact with strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizers, as well as exposure to direct sunlight or ultraviolet sources should be avoided.5 See Health Information or

Physical Hazard Information.

?Occupational exposure to DPG could occur at a DPG production facility or at facilities using DPG to manufacture other products.Consumer contact with DPG is through use of cosmetic and personal care products containing DPG, such as perfumes, hair-care products, and

deodorants. Consumers might also come into contact with other DPG-containing products, such as brake fluids.6 See Exposure Potential.

?Eye contact with DPG may cause slight, temporary irritation. Prolonged skin contact is not likely to cause irritation. DPG is not likely to be absorbed through the skin in harmful

amounts.7 See Health Information.

Manufacture of Product8,9

?Capacity –Dow has been producing propylene glycols since 1942. Dow is a major global manufacturer of propylene glycols. In 2003, world consumption of all types of propylene glycols, including DPG, was estimated at 1.2 million metric tons (2.6 billion pounds). Dow

Uses of Propylene Glycols (U.S.)

Alkyd Paints

Plasticizers 23%

Polyester Resins 18%

Urethane Polyols 12%

Fragrances / Cosmetics 20%

Other 19%

CH Dipropylene glycol

CH 3

OH 3

produces propylene glycols at sites in Freeport, Texas; Plaquemine, Louisiana; Stade, Germany; Altona, Australia; and Aratu, Brazil.

Process – DPG is a co-product from the manufacture of , Water is

added to , a petroleum-based raw material, at high temperature and pressure. The reaction product is a blend of approximately 90% (mono-) propylene glycol and the remaining 10% a mixture of dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol and higher glycols. The reaction product is passed through evaporators and drying towers to remove excess water, then the glycols are separated by high-vacuum distillation. The two-step chemical reaction is as follows:

H 2O

Propylene oxide HC O CH 2

H 3C

H Propylene glycol

CH 2

Propylene oxide HC O CH 2

H 3C

Propylene glycol

H 3C

CH 2

Product Description 10,11

Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is a colorless, practically odorless liquid with medium viscosity. DPG has low volatility, is completely soluble in water, and is hygroscopic (attracts water from the

atmosphere). A distinguishing feature of DPG (compared to other glycols) is its broader range of solvency. For example, its ability to solubilize oils such as castor oil makes DPG useful for a broad range of applications.

DPG is comprised of 6 carbon atoms, 14 hydrogen atoms and 3 oxygen atoms (chemical formula C 6H 14O 3). Although all DPG has the same chemical formula, the atoms can be arranged in three different ways to form three different DPG isomers. The commercial material is a mixture of these isomers, and has the CAS No. 25265-71-8. The names of the isomers are listed below. ? CAS No. 110-98-5: isomer 1,1’-oxybis-2-propanol (2,2’-dihydroxydipropylether) ? CAS No. 108-61-2: isomer 2,2’-oxybis-1-propanol (2,2’-dihydroxydiisopropylether) ? CAS No. 106-62-7: isomer 2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)-1-propanol (2-hydroxypropyl-2’-hydroxyisopropylether)

Dow manufactures two DPG grades: Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade and a high-purity, low-odor product called Dipropylene Glycol LO+.

Product Uses 12,13,14,15

The main commercial uses for Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade are:

? Chemical intermediate in the

manufacture of high-performance unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers ? Hydraulic brake fluid formulations ? Cutting oil formulations

? Textile lubricants

?Printing ink—as a resin solvent

? Coatings

? Industrial soaps

?Solvents for agricultural chemicals and insecticides

?Latex paint formulations—for freeze/thaw protection

Examples of materials made using Dipropylene Glycol LO+ include:

?Fragrances, perfumes, and colognes

?Skin-care products (creams, lotions, sun-care products)

? Deodorants/antiperspirants (roll-on, stick deodorants)

?Hair-care products (shampoos, conditioners, styling, and coloring products)

? Shaving products

?Bath and shower products

Dow does not support the use of Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade in high-purity applications. Back to top

Exposure Potential

Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is used in the production of industrial and consumer products. Based

on the uses for DPG, the public could be exposed through:

?Workplace exposure – Exposure can occur either in a DPG production facility or in facilities that use DPG to manufacture other products. Those working with DPG in manufacturing

operations could be exposed during maintenance, sampling, testing or other procedures.

Each manufacturing facility should have a thorough training program for employees,

appropriate work processes, and safety equipment in place to limit unnecessary exposure.

See Health Information.

?Consumer exposure to products containing DPG16 – DPG is not a hazardous chemical.

Because DPG is used to formulate hydraulic brake fluids, latex paints, and many personal-

care products, consumers will likely come into contact with materials that contain DPG. The

concentration of Dipropylene Glycol LO+ in some formulations may be greater than 50%.See

Product Uses and Health Information.

?Environmental releases17– In the event of a spill, the focus is on containing the spill to prevent contamination of soil, surface, or ground water. For small spills, DPG should be

absorbed with any absorbant material. Due to its low volatility at ambient temperatures, DPG

will not accumulate in the air. See Environmental, Health and Physical Hazard Information. ?Large release18 – Industrial spills or releases are infrequent. If a large spill does occur, DPG should be contained by creating ditches or dikes and collected and disposed of according to

applicable governmental requirements. Prevent material from reaching soil, ditches, sewage

system, and/or groundwater. Personnel engaged in clean up of spills should observe proper

skin and eye protection practices. Fires involving DPG can be readily extinguished with water

fog or carbon dioxide, foam, or dry-chemical extinguishers. Do not use a direct-water stream.

Emergency procedures should be followed carefully. See Environmental, Health and Physical

Hazard Information.

For more information, see the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Health Information19, 20

Eye contact with dipropylene glycol (DPG) liquid or mist may cause slight temporary irritation.

Skin contact with DPG is not likely to cause irritation, sensitization, or result in absorption in

harmful amounts. Due to its low vapor pressure, inhalation of DPG is unlikely at ambient

temperatures. Dipropylene glycol (DPG) has very low toxicity if swallowed. DPG does not cause cancer, genotoxicity, or birth defects in laboratory animals.

For more information, see the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Environmental Information21, 22

The initial assessment published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stated that DPG is expected to present a low hazard to the environment. Concentrations of DPG in the atmosphere are expected to be extremely low because of its low vapor pressure and high water solubility. If DPG is released into the environment, it will preferentially go into water.

DPG is expected to be readily biodegradable and does not accumulate in the food chain. DPG is practically nontoxic to fish and other aquatic organisms on an acute basis.

For more information, see the relevant SDS.

Physical Hazard Information23

DPG is stable under recommended storage conditions. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the material to decompose. Avoid contact with strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizers. Keep away from direct sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) sources.

For more information, see the relevant SDS.

Regulatory Information

Regulations may exist that govern the manufacture, sale, transportation, use, and/or disposal of dipropylene glycol. These regulations may vary by city, state, country, or geographic region. Information may be found by consulting the relevant SDS, Technical Data Sheet or Contact Us.

Additional Information

?Safety Data Sheet (https://www.360docs.net/doc/4f3034915.html,/webapps/msds/msdssearch.asp)

? A Guide to Glycols, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01682-0804XSI, August 2004

(https://www.360docs.net/doc/4f3034915.html,/PublishedLiterature/dh_0047/0901b803800479d9.pdf?filepath=propylen eglycol/pdfs/noreg/117-01682.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc)

?Martin, Alton E. and Murphy, Frank H., Glycols: Propylene Glycols, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01785-0306, reprinted March 2006

(https://www.360docs.net/doc/4f3034915.html,/PublishedLiterature/dh_006e/0901b8038006e13c.pdf?filepath=propylen eglycol/pdfs/noreg/117-01785.pdf&fromPage=GetDoc)

?Dow Dipropylene Glycol, Regular Grade Technical Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01569-703CRCG, July 2003

(https://www.360docs.net/doc/4f3034915.html,/propyleneglycol/tech/)

?Dow Dipropylene Glycol LO+ Technical Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No.

117-01581-703CRCG, July 2003

(https://www.360docs.net/doc/4f3034915.html,/propyleneglycol/tech/)

?Screening Information Data Set (SIDS) Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 – Dipropylene Glycol: CAS No. 25265-71-8, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

(http://www.chem.unep.ch/irptc/sids/oecdsids/25265-71-8.pdf)

For more business information about dipropylene glycol, visit Dow’s Propylene Glycols web site (https://www.360docs.net/doc/4f3034915.html,/propyleneglycol/index.htm).

References

1 Propylene Glycols: About Propylene Glycols web page, The Dow Chemical Company,

(https://www.360docs.net/doc/4f3034915.html,/propyleneglycol/about/).

2 A Guide to Glycols, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01682-0804XSI, August 2004, pages 28–29.

3DOW? Dipropylene Glycol LO+ Grade Technical Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01581-703CRCG, page 2.

4Screening Information Data Set (SIDS) Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 – Dipropylene Glycol: CAS No. 25265-71-8, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): U.S.A, January 23-26, 2001,

pages 3-4.

5Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade, Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, January 26, 2007, pages 4 and 6.

6SIDS Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 – Dipropylene Glycol: CAS No. 25265-71-8, OECD, UNEP: U.S.A, January 23-26, 2001, page 10.

7Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade, Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, January 26, 2007, page 1.

8Chemical Economics Handbook (CEH) Marketing Research Report Dipropylene Glycol, Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting, August, 2004, Abstract.

9 Propylene Glycols: Manufacturing web page: The Dow Chemical Company,

(https://www.360docs.net/doc/4f3034915.html,/propyleneglycol/about/manu.htm).

10Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade, Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, January 26, 2007, pages 3 and 4.

11A Guide to Glycols, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01682-0804XSI, March 2006, pages 28 and 29.

12CEH Marketing Research Report Dipropylene Glycol, SRI Consulting, August, 2004, Consumption.

13A Guide to Glycols, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01682-0804XSI, March 2006, pages 28 and 29.

14DOW? Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade Technical Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01569-703, page 2.

15DOW? Dipropylene Glycol LO+ Grade Technical Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, Form No. 117-01581-703, page 2.

16SIDS Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 – Dipropylene Glycol: CAS No. 25265-71-8, OECD, UNEP: U.S.A, January 23-26, 2001, page 10.

17Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade, Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, January 26, 2007, page 2-4.

18 Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade, Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, January 26, 2007, page 2-4.

19 Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade, Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, January 26, 2007, pages 1–2 and 4.

20SIDS Initial Assessment Report for SIAM 11 – Dipropylene Glycol: CAS No. 25265-71-8, OECD, UNEP: U.S.A, January 23-26, 2001, page 8.

21Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade, Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, January 26, 2007, pages 4–5.

22 West et al., Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 26: No. 5, 2007, pages 862-871,.

23Dipropylene Glycol Regular Grade, Material Safety Data Sheet, The Dow Chemical Company, January 26, 2007, pages 1, 3, and 6.

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