Propylene carbonate

Propylene carbonate (often abbreviated PC) is an organic compound with the formula C4H6O3. It is a cyclic 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 as the racemic mixture in most contexts.
Propylene carbonate (PC) is a polar aprotic substance with very similar physicochemical characteristics to the organic solvents traditionally used for organic synthesis, such as acetonitrile and acetone. Therefore, PC is beginning to be used as a “green” sustainable alternative solvent for chemical transformations. PC is a low toxicity, non-corrosive colourless liquid with a high boiling point and low vapour pressure. It is biodegradable and economical, allowing its large-scale use. PC can be prepared by a reaction between propylene epoxide and carbon dioxide with 100% atomic economy. The easy preparation of propylene epoxide and the use of an available, abundant, economical, and renewable source of carbon, such as CO2, make this process one of the best routes for the synthesis of PC. .