Differentiation between glycolic acid and propylene glycol
Fuglycolic acid and propylene glycol, both of which are commonly used in chemical industry, and their properties and uses are very different, which cannot be ignored.

Glycolic acid is lively. Its molecules contain carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, which give it unique chemical activity. Carboxyl groups make glycolic acid acidic, which can neutralize and react with alkali substances to generate corresponding salts and water. And its acidity is mild. In some fine chemical fields, it is often used as a mild acidic regulator. For example, in skin care products, it can fine-tune the pH of the product to fit the skin environment. At the same time, the presence of hydroxyl groups allows it to participate in esterification reactions, condensation with alcohols, acids, etc., to obtain a variety of ester compounds with special properties, which are widely used in fragrances, coatings and other industries.

As for propylene glycol, its chemical properties are relatively stable. The dihydroxyl structure in the molecule makes it have good solubility and hygroscopicity. Because of its good solubility, it is often used as a solvent to help a variety of organic compounds uniformly disperse in the system. In pharmacies, many insoluble drugs are often made into liquid preparations with the help of propylene glycol to facilitate human absorption. Its hygroscopicity can keep the product at a certain humidity, and in cosmetics, it can prevent the paste from drying and maintain the good texture of the product.

In terms of the application of both, glycolic acid is mildly acidic and reactive. In the field of skin care, it can promote keratin renewal and make the skin glow; in the textile printing and dyeing industry, it can help dyes adhere better and improve the dyeing effect. Propylene glycol, with its solubility and hygroscopicity, is used as a moisturizer in the food industry to prevent food from drying and cracking; in the manufacture of antifreeze, because of its low freezing point, it can effectively prevent equipment pipelines from freezing at low temperatures.

To sum up, glycolic acid and propylene glycol, although both are important chemical raw materials, have their own strengths in application scenarios due to differences in structure and properties. Users should be aware of their characteristics and choose them carefully in order to do their best to avoid their drawbacks.