Glycols & Polyols Available — Bulk Only

Propylene Carbonate (PC)

CAS 108-32-7 · Formula C4H6O3 · MW 102.09 g/mol

A polar aprotic cyclic carbonate prized as a battery-electrolyte and gas-treating solvent with low volatility. It is used as an electrolyte solvent in lithium batteries, in carbon-dioxide and acid-gas removal, as a solvent in surface coatings and paint removers, and as a plasticizer.

Request SDS
HS Code
2920.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Glycols & Polyols
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Solvency · Viscosity Modification
Solubility
In water, 1.75X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C
Functional Roles
PROPYLENE CARBONATE
SOLVENTVISCOSITY CONTROLLING
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Batteries: Electrolyte solvent for lithium cells
  • Gas treating: Solvent for CO2 recovery and natural-gas purification
  • Coatings: Solvent in surface coatings and paint removers
  • Polymers: Plasticizer and processing solvent
Physical Properties
Melting Point
-48.8 °C
Boiling Point
241.6 °C
Density
1.2047 g/cu cm at 20 °C
Solubility
In water, 1.75X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C
Vapor Pressure
0.04
Flash Point
116 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

Request SDS →
HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2920 . 90
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.20
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2920.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
108-32-7
Molecular Formula
C4H6O3
Molecular Weight
102.09 g/mol
IUPAC Name
4-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one
INCI Name
PROPYLENE CARBONATE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
RUOJZAUFBMNUDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
PROPYLENE CARBONATE 4-Methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one 1,2-Propylene carbonate 1,2-Propanediol cyclic carbonate Arconate 5000 Texacar PC Cyclic propylene carbonate 1,2-Propanediol carbonate 1,3-Dioxolan-2-one, 4-methyl- Propylene glycol cyclic carbonate Dipropylene carbonate 1-Methylethylene carbonate 1,2-Propanediyl carbonate Cyclic 1,2-propylene carbonate Cyclic methylethylene carbonate 4-Methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolane Carbonic acid, propylene ester Propylenester kyseliny uhlicite Carbonic acid cyclic methylethylene ester
Full Description

Propylene carbonate (CAS 108-32-7) is a cyclic carbonate ester and a high-boiling polar aprotic solvent. It is used as an electrolyte solvent in lithium batteries, in carbon-dioxide and acid-gas removal, as a solvent in surface coatings and paint removers, and as a plasticizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is propylene carbonate used for?

Propylene carbonate (CAS 108-32-7) is a high-boiling polar aprotic solvent used as an electrolyte solvent in lithium batteries, in CO2 and acid-gas removal, as a solvent in surface coatings and paint removers, and as a plasticizer.

What is propylene carbonate made of?

It is a cyclic carbonate ester, formula C4H6O3, formed from propylene oxide and carbon dioxide. The result is a five-membered carbonate ring, which gives it high polarity and a high boiling point.

Is propylene carbonate the same as propylene glycol?

No. Propylene carbonate (CAS 108-32-7) is a cyclic carbonate ester, while propylene glycol (CAS 57-55-6) is a diol; they are chemically distinct with different solvent behavior. Always specify by CAS to avoid substitution errors.

What grade is propylene carbonate reagent and what is its CAS number?

This is reagent-grade propylene carbonate, CAS 108-32-7, suitable for laboratory and high-purity solvent use such as battery electrolytes. The grade and assay are confirmed on each lot's CoA and TDS.

What bulk packaging is available for propylene carbonate?

RawSource supplies propylene carbonate in drums, IBC totes, and bulk to battery, gas-treating, and coatings manufacturers. Pricing is volume-dependent; submit your target quantity and grade for a bulk quote, with a CoA and SDS per shipment.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.