Propanediol caprylate is a chemical compound, the ester of vegetable 1,3-propanediol. It is produced industrially from natural materials such as palm or palm oil by a synthetic process.

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Propanediol indicates that the molecule contains a propanediol group, which is a type of alcohol with two -OH groups.
• Caprylate indicates that the molecule is derived from caprylic acid (also known as octanoic acid), a type of fatty acid with a chain of eight carbons.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Preparation of caprylic acid and propanediol. Caprylic acid, a type of fatty acid, is obtained from coconut or palm oil. Propanediol is a type of alcohol that can be obtained from the fermentation of corn sugar.
• Esterification. Caprylic acid and propanediol are reacted together in a process called esterification. This involves the removal of a water molecule and the formation of an ester bond, resulting in propanediol caprylate.

It takes the form of a colourless transparent liquid.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals

Anti-sebum.  Controls and reduces emissions from the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for greasy, enlarged pores in the skin, where it occurs, particularly on the forehead, cheeks, nose and hair. Adjuvant in the treatment of acne.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Propanediol caprylate is an anti-dandruff active ingredient of natural origin that functions as an ester-like chemical structure limiting the activity of Malassezia (fungi that live on human skin) and thus reducing dandruff activity. It has antimicrobial activity.

Use: 0,5%-1.0%

For more information:

Propanediol caprylate studies

• Molecular Formula  C₁₁H₂₂O₃
• Molecular Weight     202.29
• CAS  102731-54-4
• UNII    7641PCH336
• EC Number   844-232-8
• DSSTox Substance ID  
• IUPAC  3-hydroxypropyl octanoate
• InChI=1S/C11H22O3/c1-2-3-4-5-6-8-11(13)14-10-7-9-12/h12H,2-10H2,1H3  
• InChl Key   LBWNKTZBTUKBOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES   CCCCCCCC(=O)OCCCO 
• MDL number  
• PubChem Substance ID    
• SCHEMBL770067
• RTECS   

Synonyms

• 3-hydroxypropyl octanoate
• Octanoic acid, 3-hydroxypropyl ester