Tripropylene glycol (TPG) is a clear, slightly viscous, practically odorless liquid. It is hygroscopic and completely soluble in water and miscible with many organic solvents.
Benefits and Applications
TPG is used for textile soaps, lubricants and cutting oils and as a chemical intermediate in urethanes, and as a solvent in coatings and inks. Tripropylene glycol acrylate grade (TPG-A) is found in UV-cured coatings.
Storage and Handling
Tripropylene glycol, because of its low vapor pressure, toxicity and flammability, presents no special handling problems. However, undue exposure or spillage should be strictly avoided as a matter of good safety practice. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for more specific information. Tripropylene glycol may require storage facilities designed to prevent moisture intrusion. Storage vessels and transfer lines of mild steel may be used if slight discoloration is not objectionable. For long-term storage, and to maintain highest quality, stainless steel or mild steel vessels with baked phenolic or epoxy-phenolic linings are recommended. TPG-A should be kept under a nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxidation.