Name: Propylene Carbonate
CAS No: -4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one [108-32-7]
USP-NF: Propylene Carbonate
Carbonic acid, cyclic propylene ester; cyclic methylethylene carbonate; cyclic propylene carbonate; 4-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane; 1,2-propanediol cyclic carbonate; 1,2-propylene carbonate
-4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one [108-32-7]
C4H6O3 ,102.09
Propylene carbonate is used mainly as a solvent in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. In topical applications, propylene carbonate has been used in combination with propylene glycol as a solvent for corticosteroids. The corticosteroid is dissolved in the solvent mixture to yield microdroplets that can then be dispersed in petrolatum.(1) Propylene carbonate has been used as a dispensing solvent in topical preparations.(2) Propylene carbonate has also been used in hard gelatin capsules as a nonvolatile, stabilizing, liquid carrier. For formulations with a low dosage of active drug, a uniform drug content may be obtained by dissolving the drug in propylene carbonate and then spraying this solution on to a solid carrier such as compressible sugar; the sugar may then be filled into hard gelatin capsules.(3) Propylene carbonate may additionally be used as a solvent, at room and elevated temperatures, for many cellulose-based polymers and plasticizers. Propylene carbonate is also used in cosmetics.
Propylene carbonate is a clear, colorless, mobile liquid, with a faint odor
See Table I.
Boiling point 2428C Flash point 1328C Freezing point 49.28C Heat of combustion 14.21 kJ/mol (3.40 kcal/mol) Heat of vaporization 55.2 kJ/mol (13.2 kcal/mol) at 1508C. Refractive index nD 20 = 1.420–1.422 Solubility Practically insoluble in hexane; freely soluble in water. Miscible with acetone, benzene, chloroform, ethanol, ethanol (95%), and ether. Specific heat 2.57 J/g/8C (0.62 cal/g/8C) at 208C. Vapor pressure 4 Pa (0.03 mmHg) at 208C. Viscosity (dynamic) 2.5 mPa s (2.5 cP) at 258C.
Propylene carbonate and its aqueous solutions are stable but may degrade in the presence of acids or bases, or upon heating; see also Section 12. Store in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place
Propylene carbonate hydrolyzes rapidly in the presence of strong acids and bases, forming mainly propylene oxide and carbon dioxide. Propylene carbonate can also react with primary and secondary amines to yield carbamates.
Propylene carbonate may be prepared by the reaction of sodium bicarbonate with propylene chlorohydrin.(4)
Propylene carbonate is used as a solvent in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations, and is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material. In animal studies, propylene carbonate was found to cause tissue necrosis after parenteral administration.(5) LD50 (mouse, oral): 20.7 g/kg LD50 (mouse, SC): 15.8 g/kg LD50 (rat, oral): 29 g/kg LD50 (rat, SC): 11.1 g/kg
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Propylene carbonate may be irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes. Eye protection and gloves are recommended.
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (topical ointments). Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Nonmedicinal Ingredients.
(S)-Propylene carbonate. S)-Propylene carbonate Empirical formula C4H6O3 Molecular weight 102.09 CAS number [51260-39-0] Specific rotation [a]D 25 = 1.78 (0.92% v/v solution in ethanol) Comments The (S)-enantiomer of -propylene carbonate.
The EINECS number for propylene carbonate is 203-572-1. The PubChem Compound ID (CID) for propylene carbonate is 7924.