DESCRIPTION

1,3-Propanediol is a clear, colorless, hygroscopic liquid with a mild, sweet odor. It is produced from corn-derived glucose in a multi-step fermentation process using a non-pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli K-12 as a biocatalyst. Principle steps include fermentation, separation, and distillation. It is soluble in water, alcohols, and acetone, and miscible with many polar solvents. 1,3-Propanediol produced from a biobased carbon source (modern carbon source such as plant-derived glucose) can be distinguished from 1,3-propanediol produced from fossil carbon sources (such as fossil fuel) using carbon isotope analysis.