Propylene

Excerpt from ERG Guide 115 [Gases - Flammable (Including Refrigerated Liquids)]:

Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

General First Aid:

General First Aid:

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions: Carbon oxides

Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

To fight fire, stop flow of gas.

Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. If possible use foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical to extinguish fire. If none of these compounds are available use water in flooding quantities as a fog, being sure to cool all affected containers. Apply water from as far a distance as possible, and do not use solid streams of water since they may be ineffective. Keep material out of water sources and sewers and build dikes as necessary to contain flow. Wear self contained breathing apparatus, boots, protective gloves and goggles and be sure to wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water. Do not handle damaged packages without protective equipment. If fire becomes uncontrollable or a container is exposed to direct flame, evacuate for a radius of 2500 feet. If material leaking (and is not on fire), downwind evacuation must be considered.

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary. Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES; Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapours can accumulate in low areas.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Clean up promptly by sweeping or vacuum.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Propylene is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 22(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that propylene is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of propylene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 0.196 atm-cu m/mole(3). Propylene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 8690 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2017). However, propylene was biodegraded to propylene oxide using acclimated cell free extracts(5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 22(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that propylene is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 0.196 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 2 hrs and 3 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 7(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.77(6) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2017). However, propylene was biodegraded to propylene oxide using acclimated cell free extracts(7).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), propylene, which has a vapor pressure of 8690 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase propylene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 hrs(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.9X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Gas-phase propylene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 23 hrs(4), calculated from its rate constant of 1.2X10-17 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(5). Propylene does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(6) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: The atmospheric fate and photochemical reactions of propylene ... indicate that the principal reactant is the hydroxyl radical. Reactions of propylene with ozone occur predominantly in the evening, while reactions of propylene with atomic oxygen or sulfur dioxide (SO2) are reported to be insignificant ... because of their relatively low /atmospheric/ concentration. ... The atmospheric half-life of propylene was 7.7 hr (calc).

Propylene is a volatile component of garlic essential oils with a reported concentration range of 0.01-5.99 ug/g garlic bulb(1). Propylene has been qualitatively detected in the gaseous metabolites released by germinating beans, corn, and pea seeds(2).

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Propylene is a colorless gas. It is used in manufacture of isopropyl alcohol, polypropylene, synthetic glycerol, acrylonitrile, propylene oxide, heptene, cumene, polymer gasoline, acrylic acid, vinyl resins, oxo chemicals. It is also used as aerosol propellant and component. Formerly used in dental surgery as temporary anesthetic. HUMAN STUDIES: In the gaseous state propylene is not irritating to the skin or eyes based on limited human studies. However, should skin or eye contact occur to this chemical in its liquid state, tissue freezing, severe cold burn, and/or frostbite may result. ANIMAL STUDIES: No adverse effects were observed in repeated dose inhalation toxicity studies in rodents at concentrations up to 10,000 ppm propylene, for 14 weeks. Furthermore, there was no evidence of carcinogenicity in rats or mice exposed to propylene concentrations as high as 10,000 ppm for up to 103 weeks. Inflammation of the nasal cavity was the only indication of toxicity observed following exposure of male rats to 5,000 and 10,000 ppm propylene and female rats exposed to 10,000 propylene for 103 weeks. These effects were not observed when rats were exposed to similar concentrations for 14 weeks. Mutagenic activity was observed in a single bacterial strain in the Ames assay in the presence of metabolic activation. Inhalation exposure of pregnant Wistar rats to propylene from implantation to one day prior to the expected day of parturition (days 6-19 p.c.) elicited no maternal toxicity, prenatal or developmental toxicity, or teratogenicity at all tested concentrations up to 10,000 ppm.

Propylene was qualitatively detected in emissions from European fir(1), Scotch pine(1), and the gaseous metabolites released by cotton seeds(2). The compound was reported present in garlic bulb (Allium sativum var. sativum; Liliaceae) at a low concentration of 0.01 to a high concentration of 6.0 ppm(3).

Drowsiness. Suffocation.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

See Skin.

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Status of Agents Search page, which tabulates the results and current status of tests such as "Short-Term Toxicity Studies", "Long-term Carcinogenicity Studies", "Developmental Studies", "Genetic Toxicology Studies", etc., performed with this chemical. Testing status for propylene is available.[Available from, as of July 26, 2017: https://ntpsearch.niehs.nih.gov/?e=True&ContentType=Testing+Status]

Emissions of propylene from automobile exhaust ranged from 2.09 to 3.24% TNMHC (total non-methane hydrocarbon) at 6 sites on U.S. Highway 70, Raleigh, NC(1). Emissions of propylene from various gasoline fueled engines ranged from 45-80 mg/km driven(5). In another study, emissions of propylene from various gasoline fueled engines averaged 95.29 mg/km driven in an urban area, 61.32 mg/km driven in a suburban area, 46.79 mg/km driven in a rural area, and 44.44-50.46 mg/km driven on a motorway(3). Furthermore, emissions of propylene increased from about 2.8 to about 6.5% of total hydrocarbon content (THC) when the speed increased from 20 km/hr to about 115 km/hr(3). Propylene concentrations ranged from 0.038-0.19 ppm in air containing automotive emissions(4). Propylene was qualitatively identified in emissions from burning polyethylene(5) and samples of volcanic gases from Kunashir Island, U.S.S.R(6). The average concentration of propylene in the Lincoln Tunnel (connecting Weehawhen, NJ with Manhattan Island, NY) was 630.1 ppbC in 1970 and 122.4 ppbC in 1982(7).

Propylene was detected in 9 jet engine emission samples at a concentration range of 0.03-430.3 ppmC(1). Propylene was detected at a concentration range of 92-126 ppb in 3 wood combustion emissions(2). Propylene was qualitatively identified in stack emissions from waste incineration(3). Emissions of propylene from various gasoline fueled cars were: 1.42-2.92% of total hydrocarbon content (THC) in a 1987 Toyota Camry, 0.99-4.10% THC in a 1986 GM Grand Am, 1.14-3.16% THC in a 1986 Ford Mustang, 1.36-2.49% THC in a 1984 GM Cavalier, 0.73-1.47% THC in a 1986 Chrysler Omni, 1.57-2.76% THC in a 1987 Nissan Sentra, 2.80-4.79% THC in a 1985 Honda Accord, 0.66-1.77% THC in a 1987 Toyota Corolla, and 1.75-3.12% THC in a 1987 Dodge Caravelle(4). Emissions of propylene from GM's first variable-fuel vehicle using methanol/gasoline mixtures were 0.8 mg/mi (100% methanol), 2.5 mg/mi (85% methanol), 7.8 mg/mi (50% methanol), 10.0 mg/mi (15% methanol), and 10.7 mg/mi (0% methanol)(5). The contribution of vehicle emissions from an attached garage to residential indoor propylene levels was studied using a 1993 Buick Regal. Propylene emission rates (mg/test) at cold start were 300 at -10 °C, 150 at 0 °C, and 150 at 24 °C(6). Propylene was reported at 2.20, 2.19 and 1.19% of total VOC species in exhaust from light-, medium- and heavy-duty diesel trucks, respectively, in Beijing, China. In 2012, the number of vehicles in Beijing numbered 5 million of which 4% where diesel(7).

In the summer of 1990, a six-site air quality monitoring study in Atlanta, GA found the median concentration of propene in nine air samples taken from a major interstate roadway was 1.96 ppb with an error of 0.18(1). A 1999 air quality study in Cairo, Egypt found propene in a median concentration of 1.85 and 1.59 in an unspecified number of roadway and motorcycle emission air samples(2). In 1993, an air sampling study in the Van Nuys Tunnel in Los Angeles, CA found propylene at a concentration of 292 mg/L in the tunnel after a 4 hour sampling period(3). In 1995, a study of Cassiar Connector Tunnel in Vancouver, British Columbia found a propylene concentration of 5.07% of total hydrocarbon content in 16 air samples taken during July-August of 1995(4).

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Propylene is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.

Propylene

1

10000

Flammable chemical that can be released at a facility.

Used as a chemical intermediate, e.g., polypropylene and isopropanol; [Merck Index]

In polymerized form as polypropylene for plastics and carpet fibers. Chemical intermediate in the manufacture of acetone, isopropylbenzene, isopropanol, isopropyl halides, propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, cumene.

Almost two thirds of the propene produced is used to produce polypropylene, a plastic material accounting for 25% of all plastic products today. Other important applications are propylene oxide, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile and cumene.

Refinery-grade propene (i.e., 50-70% pure propene in propane) is obtained from refinery processes. The main uses of refinery propene are in liquefied petroleum gas for thermal use or as an octane-enhancing component in motor gasoline. Refinery-grade propene can also be used in some chemical syntheses.

Chemical-grade propene is used extensively for most chemical derivatives (e.g., oxo alcohols, acrylonitrile, or polypropylene).

For more Uses (Complete) data for Propylene (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Contaminants are propane, ethane, carbon dioxide.

Polymerization grade propylene typically contains the following impurities (ppm max): saturates (200), butylene (20), ethylene (20), methylacetylene (10), oxygen (10), butadiene (5), propadiene (5), carbon monoxide (5), carbon dioxide (5), water (5), hydrogen (5), and methanol (5).

(1972) NEGLIGIBLE

(1975) NEGLIGIBLE

(1972) NEGLIGIBLE

(1975) NEGLIGIBLE

2023: 30,000,000,000 - <35,000,000,000 lb

(1972) 3.9X10+12 G

(1975) 4.0X10+12 G

(1985) 6.78X10+12 g

(1989) 9.3 X 10+12 g

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for Propylene (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

50% FOR ORGANIC CHEMICALS (INCLUDING 11% FOR POLYPROPYLENE; 8% FOR ACRYLONITRILE; 7% FOR PROPYLENE OXIDE; 7% FOR ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL; 5% FOR CUMENE; 4% FOR BUTYRALDEHYDES; 2% FOR NONENE; 1.5% FOR DODECENE; 1% FOR HEPTENE; 1% FOR ALLYL CHLORIDE; 0.5% FOR ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE ELASTOMER; 0.5% FOR ACROLEIN; 1.5% FOR OTHER CHEMICALS); 46% FOR GASOLINES (INCLUDING 36% FOR ALKYLATE GASOLINE; 10% FOR POLYMER GASOLINE); 4% FOR MISC APPLICATIONS (INCLUDING USE AS FUEL AND IN LIQUIFIED REFINERY GASES) (1974)

Polypropylene, 34%; Acrylonitrile, 17%; Propylene oxide, 11%; Cumene, 9%; Oxo chemicals, 8%; Isopropanol, 6%; Acrylic acid and esters, 5%; Miscellaneous, 10% (1984)

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Propylene. Polypropylene, 36%; acrylonitrile; 16%; propylene oxide, 11%; cumene, 8%; isopropanol, 6%; oligimers, 6%; acrylic acid, 3%; export, 1%; other, 5%.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Propylene. Demand: 1985: 14.7 billion lb; 1986: 15.1 billion lb; 1990 /projected/: 17 billion lb.

For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for Propylene (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Obtained from petroleum oils during the refining of gasoline. Catalytic or thermal cracking of hydrocarbons always yields propylene. Can be obtained by catalytic dehydrogenation of propane.

The propene produced in refineries originates from cracking processes. ... Refinery cracking processes operate either purely thermally or thermally-catalytically. By far the most important refinery process for propene production is the fluid-catalytic cracking (FCC) process, in which the powdery catalyst flows as a fluidized bed through the reaction and regeneration phases. This process converts heavy gas oil preferentially into gasoline and light gas oil. Catalysts utilized in FCC units can be modified to produce more propene. Typical propene yields in conventional FCC units are 3%, which can be increased up to 20% by modification of the catalyst by addition of ZSM-5 zeolite to the FCC catalyst. ... As all FCC streams contain contaminants for further processing of the propene, purification to the specified quality (chemical grade or polymer grade) is required.

Propane dehydrogenation is an endothermic equilibrium reaction that is generally performed in the presence of catalysts such as platinum or chromium on special carriers. To improve the selectivity and reduce the coking of the catalyst, a variety of proprietary modifiers are added to the noble metals. Some catalysts require a metal redistribution step after each regeneration. The process is highly selective; selectivities to propene from propane of 85-92 wt% are claimed for commercially available processes. ... Many technologies are available commercially for the dehydrogenation of propane to propene. ... The processes differ in the reactor concepts, dehydrogenation catalysts, and methods of catalyst regeneration.

Metathesis is a general reaction type in organic chemistry, in which two olefins are transferred into other olefins by formal shift of the double bond. ... The metathesis process for the production of propene is based on WO3/SiO2 catalysts. ... The reaction principle was originally applied for the production of ethylene from propene and was developed in the 1960s by Phillips (Triolefin process). In this process, propene was converted into ethylene and 2-butene. With growing demand for propene, the production was stopped in 1972. When the prices for propene increased, reversing the equilibrium reaction became attractive. ... Currently, approximately 3% of the propene production are based on metathesis.

For more Methods of Manufacturing (Complete) data for Propylene (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The quality requirements placed on propene vary widely, depending on its subsequent use. Two qualities are basically employed, namely, the less pure chemical-grade propene and the highly pure polymer-grade propene for processing of propene in chemical plants.

Plastics Product Manufacturing

1-Propene: ACTIVE