Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate Dicaprate
I. Basic Information
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate (PGDC) is a saturated fatty acid ester derived from propylene glycol and caprylic acid (octanoic acid). Key identifiers include:
CAS Numbers: 628-63-7, 7384-98-7
Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₃₆O₄
Molecular Weight: 328.49 g/mol
Synonyms: Propylene glycol dioctanoate, propylene di(octanoate)
It is classified as a non-ionic surfactant and emollient, widely recognized for its safety in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
II. Physical & Chemical Properties
PGDC exhibits favorable physicochemical characteristics for industrial use:
Physical State: Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid at room temperature
Density: 0.920-0.928 g/cm³ at 25°C
Boiling Point: 360-370°C
Flash Point: ≥175°C
Refractive Index: 1.445-1.449 at 25°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; miscible with ethanol, ether, and vegetable oils
Stability: Excellent low-temperature stability, resistant to crystallization
The compound's hydrophobic nature and narrow melting range contribute to its performance as an emollient and solubilizer.
III. Production Methods
Industrial production of PGDC follows a standardized esterification process:
Raw Material Preparation: High-purity propylene glycol and caprylic acid are used as primary feedstocks
Catalytic Esterification: Reactants are combined in controlled molar ratios with acidic catalysts, heated to 120-160°C for 6-10 hours
Purification: Unreacted materials are removed via vacuum distillation, followed by neutralization and filtration
Finishing: The final product undergoes decolorization and deodorization to meet cosmetic-grade standards
This process typically yields PGDC with purity exceeding 99%.
IV. Applications
PGDC's unique properties make it valuable across multiple industries:
4.1 Cosmetics & Personal Care
Emollient: Provides long-lasting skin hydration by forming a protective lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss
Solubilizer: Enhances solubility of oil-active ingredients in water-based formulations
Texture Enhancer: Improves spreadability and sensory feel of creams, lotions, and serums
Carrier Oil: Used in sunscreens and hair care products to deliver active ingredients
4.2 Pharmaceuticals
Drug Delivery: Serves as a solubilizer and penetration enhancer in topical medications
Excipient: Used in oral formulations to improve bioavailability of lipophilic drugs
4.3 Food Industry
Flavor Carrier: Used in food flavorings to stabilize and deliver aromatic compounds
V. Application Cases
5.1 Hydrating Facial Serum
A luxury skincare brand incorporated PGDC at 8% concentration in a hyaluronic acid-based serum, achieving:
40% improvement in skin moisture retention after 24 hours
Enhanced absorption of vitamin C and retinol
Non-greasy, fast-drying texture suitable for all skin types
5.2 Topical Pain Relief Cream
A pharmaceutical company developed a diclofenac gel using PGDC as a penetration enhancer, resulting in:
30% faster onset of pain relief compared to standard formulations
Reduced skin irritation in clinical trials
Improved patient compliance due to smooth application
5.3 Natural Sunscreen
A mineral sunscreen formulation used PGDC to disperse zinc oxide nanoparticles, providing:
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection (SPF 50+)
Water resistance for 80 minutes
Non-whitening finish suitable for darker skin tones
Shanghai Better Chemical Co., Ltd. was established in 2005, specializing in fatty alcohols, fatty acids, glycerin, white oil, and petroleum jelly. These products serve a wide range of industries, including personal care, flavor & fragrance, textiles, plastics, food, pharmaceuticals, stationery, construction, and coatings. With 21 years of professional experience, the company has earned consistent recognition across the industry and established partnerships with over 4,000 clients. It maintains a skilled technical team, efficient warehouse operations, high-quality pre- and after-sales services, and lightning-fast logistics. We look forward to collaborating with you. For inquiries, please call: +86 21 5102 9963.