Propylene carbonate
Propylene carbonate (often abbreviated PC) is an organic compound with the formula CH3C2H3O2CO. It is a carbonate ester derived from propylene glycol. This colorless and odorless liquid is useful as a polar, aprotic solvent. Propylene carbonate is chiral but is used exclusively as the racemic mixture.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Propylene carbonate is often used as a solvent for electrolysis
Physical
Propylene carbonate is a colorless liquid freezing at -48.8°C and boiling at 242°C. Propylene carbonate has a vapor pressure of 0.13 mmHg at 20°C, and 0.98 mmHg at 50°C[1].
Availability
Propylene carbonate is sold by chemical suppliers or can sometimes be found on eBay.
Preparation
PC can be prepared from 1,2-propylene glycol and a metal carbonate Described here: [1]
Projects
PC can be used for the electrodeposition of the alkali metals at STP as seen here: [2] There is also a sciencemadness thread: [3]
