Description

Monopropylene Glycol (MPG) is a derivative of Propylene Oxide (PO) and is produced in a twostep process. The first step is the reaction of PO with water into a mixture of MPG and Dipropylene
Glycol (DPG) and the second step is the distillation and purification of the mixture into its two
separate components (MPG and DPG) with MPG being the main component. Shell Chemical
companies supply MPG in two different qualities: the industrial grade and the Unites States
Pharmacopoeia (USP) grade, which is produced applying Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
as described for pharmaceutical excipients.
MPG is a colourless, viscous and odourless liquid. It is highly hygroscopic and miscible in all ratios
with water, alcohols, esters, ketones and amines. It has limited miscibility with halogenated
hydrocarbons and is not miscible with aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Monopropylene glycol USP grade is used in food, beverage and animal feed, in pharmaceuticals
as an excipient (inactive ingredient or carrier in a pharmaceutical product), in cosmetics and
personal care products. The application of MPG USP for direct injections into the blood system is
not allowed. Likewise, it is not for use in cat food because of a species-specific effect on blood
cells of cats. Use of MPG USP in tobacco applications and electronic cigarettes is not supported.