Propylene carbonate

Lab grade propylene carbonate

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.

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.

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 a metal carbonate. Described here: [1]

Projects

• PC can be used for the electrodeposition of the alkali metals at STP as seen here.

Handling

Safety

Propylene glycol has little toxicity.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Electrolysis of alkali salts at STP

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