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Propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic liquid at room temperature, used as a solvent or intermediate in the manufacture of various chemicals. It is a diol, derived from propylene, and is produced through the hydroformylation reaction, where propylene is reacted with water and methanol. Propylene glycol can be further converted into other chemicals such as ethylene glycol.

This compound has various industrial uses, including as a humectant, plasticizer, and coolant. It is often used in the food and cosmetic industries as an emulsifier and thickening agent. In antifreeze formulations, it helps lower the freezing point of the solution. Additionally, it is used in the production of resins, lacquers, and adhesives.

In some countries, including Germany and the United States, propylene glycol is classified as "biodegradable" and "non-toxic." However, the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) has classified it as "practically non-toxic" above oral doses of 2,500 mg per kilogram of body weight. Nevertheless, prolonged or high-level exposure has been associated with oral, nasal, and respiratory tract irritation.

Propylene glycol is listed as an inactive ingredient in some medications and vaccines. Extractions from vegetable oils using propylene glycol form a source of various surfactants. Biodegradable and soluble, this chemical easily degrades in freshwater but may persist in water containing certain organisms.