A renewable, high-performance diol for personal care, industrial fluids, food-grade, and polymer applications—available through J R Hess Company in commercial quantities.
Overview
1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PDO), also known as trimethylene glycol, is a bio-based diol produced via fermentation of renewable corn sugar. It functions as a humectant, co-solvent, viscosity modifier, and polymer building block across a broad range of formulation and manufacturing applications.
J R Hess Company supplies fermentation-derived 1,3-PDO with full bio-based certification, supporting customers from initial qualification through ongoing commercial supply.
Key Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | 1,3-Propanediol |
| CAS number | 504-63-2 |
| Molecular formula | C₃H₈O₂ |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Boiling point | ~214°C (417°F) |
| Freezing point | ~−25°C (−13°F) |
| Viscosity at 20°C | ~52 cP |
| Viscosity at 0°C | ~150 cP |
| Specific gravity at 20°C | ~1.053 |
| Water solubility | Completely miscible |
| Feedstock | Renewable corn sugar |
| Certification | Bio-based certified |
Applications
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Functions as a humectant, solvent, and skin-conditioning agent. Lower irritation potential than propylene glycol, improved spreadability, and excellent optical clarity make it well suited for serums, gels, moisturizers, and sensitive skin formulations. Supports natural and clean-label positioning.
Antifreeze & Heat Transfer Fluids
Approximately 40% lower viscosity than propylene glycol at 0°C, resulting in reduced pumping energy and improved cold-weather heat transfer efficiency. Higher boiling point extends the effective operating range. Considered a near drop-in replacement for PG in most HTF systems.
Food & Beverage
Recognized as a safe humectant, solvent, and stabilizer in food applications. Bio-based origin supports clean-label and sustainable sourcing claims. Requires standard regulatory label review when switching from PG.
Polymers & Performance Textiles
Primary monomer for polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), a high-performance polyester with superior stretch and recovery versus conventional PET. Bio-based PTT is an established material in sustainable performance apparel and technical textile markets.
Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences
Suitable for use as a solvent and excipient in topical and oral formulations. EP and USP grade qualification available. Full API compatibility validation required when substituting for PG.
Why Source Through J R Hess Company
J R Hess Company has supplied specialty chemical raw materials to formulators and manufacturers for over 50 years. We work directly with producers of fermentation-derived 1,3-PDO and offer:
- Commercial and sample quantities
- Bio-based certification documentation
- Technical support through the qualification process
- Reliable supply chain with consistent quality
Related Resources
Looking for a detailed comparison of 1,3-PDO vs. propylene glycol across application sectors? Read our technical overview: Bio-Based 1,3-PDO vs. Propylene Glycol →
- Learn more about plant based, petroleum free diols from Primient Covation
- Defossilization Decoded: Patrick Van Waes on Susterra®’s Renewable Edge