Arcosolv PNP - (Mono) Propylene Glycol Normal Propyl Ether - is a colorless, flammable liquid with an ether-like odor. It is completely water-soluble and has good coupling. It demonstrates good solvency for coating resins. The properties of Arcosolv PNP support its use in coatings, cleaning, ink, agricultural, textile and adhesive products. Arcosolv PNP and blends are substitutes for many ethylene glycol (E-series) ethers.
Benefits and Applications
Coatings: Arcosolv PNP is colorless and water-soluble. It's characterized by low odor, good solvent properties, good chemical stability, and low volatility. It is used as a cosolvent for waterborne coatings. Arcosolv PNP has excellent coalescing properties and promotes stability in waterborne coatings.
Arcosolv PNP is a good substitute for E-series solvents, EP (ethylene glycol propyl ether) and EB (ethylene glycol butyl ether).
Cleaners: Arcosolv PNP can be used in floor wax strippers and in many types of hard-surface cleaners, such as glass, metal, tile, ceramic, and general-purpose cleaners. Arcosolv PNP facilitates the removal of water-soluble or water-dispersible soils. It is a good coupling solvent for many oils.
Other Applications: The properties listed in the previous section also support the use of Arcosolv PNP in agriculture, cosmetics, electronics, ink, textile and adhesive products. Specific end uses may require approval by appropriate regulatory agencies.
Toxicology/Regulatory
Arcosolv PNP is slightly to moderately toxic following ingestion or dermal exposure. It is moderately irritating to eyes and can cause skin irritation, particularly with repeated or prolonged exposures. Inhalation of high vapor concentrations causes sensory irritation and sedation.
Repeated inhalation exposures to high concentrations of PNP have been reported to cause transient central nervous system depression corneal eye injury, and increased liver and kidney weights in experimental animals. PNP was not teratogenic in experimental animals. A minor fetotoxic effect (i.e., poorly ossified hind limb phalanges) was seen in rats but not rabbits at a level which also produced maternal toxicity.
Regulatory Status:
Please refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for additional information.
Arcosolv PNP and all propylene glycol ethers are not included under the category glycol ethers as defined in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.
Arcosolv PNP is not a hazardous substance under section 102 of CERCLA or subject to the reporting requirements established by SARA Title III, section 313 and 40CFR372.
Arcosolv PNP is on the U.S. TSCA and the EEC’s EINECS, Canadian DSL, Australian and Japanese inventories.
Storage and Handling
General industry practice is to store Arcosolv ethers in carbon steel vessels. Avoid contact with air when storing for long periods of time. Glycol ethers should never be stored or handled in copper or copper alloys. This product may absorb water if exposed to air.
Store only in tightly closed, properly vented containers away from heat, sparks, open flame or strong oxidizing agents. Use only non-sparking tools. Ground containers before transfer. Electrical equipment should conform to national electric code.
Unnecessary exposure or spillage should be strictly avoided as a matter of good practice. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for Arcosolv PNP for more specific information.
Arcosolv is a trademark owned or used by LyondellBasell group companies. Trademark Arcosolv is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.