[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, chemical properties of propylene carbonate

PROPYLENE CARBONATE BASIC PROPERTIES

Propylene carbonate (Propylene Carbonate, PC) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H6O3. It is produced by the reaction of propylene oxide and carbon dioxide under the action of a catalyst. Propylene carbonate is a colorless, transparent liquid with a high boiling point and a low vapor pressure, with a melting point of -48°C and a boiling point of 242°C. Its molecular structure contains polar carbonate groups, which makes it have good solubility, chemical stability and low toxicity.

Propylene carbonate uses

Propylene carbonate is widely used in industry. It is an important solvent, especially in the application of lithium-ion battery electrolyte is particularly critical. It can be mixed with other solvents (such as dimethyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, etc.) to improve the stability and electrochemical performance of the electrolyte. Propylene carbonate is also used as a solvent and thinner in products such as coatings, paints and cleaners. Due to its excellent dissolution properties, it can effectively dissolve a variety of resins and polymers. Propylene carbonate is also used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, pesticides and other fine chemical products.

Propylene carbonate upstream feedstock

Propylene carbonate production relies on two major upstream feedstocks: propylene oxide and carbon dioxide. Propylene oxide is an important organic chemical raw material, mainly used in the production of polyurethane and other chemical products. Its production methods mainly include chlorohydrin method and hydrogen peroxide method. Chlorohydrin method is gradually replaced by hydrogen peroxide method due to environmental problems. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, mainly from the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial production processes and air capture. In recent years, the use of carbon dioxide in industrial waste gas to synthesize propylene carbonate has become an effective way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Propylene carbonate production process

The production process of propylene carbonate mainly includes the cycloaddition reaction of propylene oxide and carbon dioxide under the action of a catalyst. The reaction is usually carried out under high pressure conditions, the reaction temperature is 80-200°C, and the pressure is 3-5 MPa. Commonly used catalysts are tetrabutylammonium bromide, potassium benzoate, etc. This reaction process has the advantages of high efficiency, environmental friendliness and low cost. In recent years, researchers are also exploring new catalysts and process conditions to further improve production efficiency and product purity.

Propylene carbonate downstream applications

The application of propylene carbonate in lithium-ion batteries is its most important downstream market. With the rapid development of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the demand for high-performance electrolytes is increasing, and the market demand for propylene carbonate as an electrolyte solvent is also increasing. The application of propylene carbonate in pharmaceutical, pesticide and fine chemical industry is also expanding. For example, in pharmaceutical synthesis, propylene carbonate can be used as a protecting group and reaction solvent to improve the selectivity and yield of the reaction. In pesticide synthesis, it can be used as an intermediate or solvent to enhance the stability and effect of the product.

Propylene carbonate storage method

Because propylene carbonate has chemical stability, but still need to pay attention to its storage conditions. It should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Propylene carbonate is sensitive to moisture and easily absorbs moisture, so the container should be kept sealed during storage to prevent moisture and impurities from entering. Propylene carbonate is incompatible with strong oxidants, strong acids, and strong bases. Avoid contact with these substances during storage to prevent chemical reactions.

Propylene Carbonate Market Prospects

With the rapid development of the new energy industry, especially the wide application of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, the market demand for propylene carbonate will continue to grow. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the process of using carbon dioxide to synthesize propylene carbonate will receive more attention and become an important way to reduce carbon emissions and achieve green development. It is expected that the production and application of propylene carbonate will maintain rapid growth in the next few years, and the market prospect is broad.

Conclusion

As an important organic chemical raw material, propylene carbonate has a wide range of uses and excellent performance. Its production relies on propylene oxide and carbon dioxide, generated by a cycloaddition reaction. Propylene carbonate is widely used in lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other fields. With the development of new energy industry and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the market demand of propylene carbonate will continue to increase, and its production process and application fields will be further expanded. In the future, propylene carbonate will continue to play an important role in the chemical industry.