Propylene carbonate
 Lab grade propylene carbonate
| |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one
| |
| Other names
1,2-Propanediol carbonate
4-Methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane Arconate 5000 (R,S)-4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one Texacar PC | |
| Properties | |
| C4H6O3 | |
| Molar mass | 102.09 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.205 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | −48.8 °C (−55.8 °F; 224.3 K) |
| Boiling point | 242 °C (468 °F; 515 K) |
| 24 g/100 ml (20°C) | |
| Solubility | Miscible with acetone, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate |
| Vapor pressure | 0.045 mm Hg (25 °C) |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Flash point | 132 °C (270 °F; 405 K) |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Propylene carbonate (often abbreviated PC) is an organic compound with the formula CH3C2H3O2CO. It is a carbonate ester derived from propylene glycol. This colorless and odorless liquid is useful as a polar, aprotic solvent. Propylene carbonate is chiral but is used exclusively as the racemic mixture.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Propylene carbonate is often used as a solvent for electrolysis.
Physical
Propylene carbonate is a colorless liquid freezing at -48.8°C and boiling at 242°C. Propylene carbonate has a vapor pressure of 0.13 mmHg at 20°C, and 0.98 mmHg at 50°C[1].
Availability
Propylene carbonate is sold by chemical suppliers or can sometimes be found on eBay.
Preparation
PC can be prepared from 1,2-propylene glycol and urea with a metal carbonate catalyst. Synthesis is described here.
Zinc acetate can also be used as catalyst.[2]
Projects
- PC can be used for the electrodeposition of the alkali metals at STP as seen here.
- High-permittivity component of electrolytes in lithium batteries
Handling
Safety
Propylene glycol has little toxicity.
Storage
Propylene carbonate can be stored in closed bottles, away from moisture to prevent contamination.
Disposal
As propylene carbonate has low toxicity, it can be safely poured down the drain.
References
- ↑ http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/sial/310328
- ↑ https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie049948i
