1,3-Propanediol, also propane-1,3-diol or trimethylene glycol, is a three-carbon diol. It is a clear colorless viscous liquid that is miscible with water and ethanol.^[1]

1,3-Propanediol can be formulated into a variety of industrial products including composites, adhesives, laminates, coatings, moldings, novel aliphatic polyesters, copolyesters, solvents, antifreeze and other end uses.

1,3-Propanediol does not appear to pose a significant hazard via inhalation of either the vapor or a vapor/aerosol mixture.^[2]

Currently 1,3-propanediol is being produced by Dupont Tate & Lyle Bioproducts, a joint venture between DuPont and Tate & Lyle, in Loudon, Tennessee. Dubbed Bio-PDO, it's being produced with genetically modified strain of E. coli that's fed a refined corn syrup. The bacteria, after a fermentation process, then produces Bio-PDO. Most in the industry refer to Bio-PDO as "Liquid Diamonds", due to the crystal clear liquid that is the final product.

See also

• Propylene glycol
• Ethylene glycol

References

1. ^ Merck Index, 11th Edition, 9629.
2. ^ Scott RS, Frame SR, Ross PE, Loveless SE, Kennedy GL. (2005). "Inhalation toxicity of 1,3-propanediol in the rat". Inhal Toxicol. 17 (9): 487-93. doi:10.1080/08958370590964485. PMID 16020043.