Literature mentions propyl gallate (PG) as a non-toxic synthetic antioxidant that can be used as a food
additive due to its high tolerance to heat. It is important to understand the thermal properties and to
identify the decomposition products of this substance, since it has been reported to be thermally stable
at temperatures as high as 300 C. Simultaneous thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis
(TG–DTA), differential scanning calorimetry-photovisual (DSC-photovisual), coupled thermogravimetry-
infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) analyses and spectroscopic techniques were used to study the food
additive PG. The TG–DTA curves, which were performed with the aid of DSC-photovisual, provided
information concerning the thermal stability and decomposition profiles of the compound. From the
TG-FTIR coupled techniques, it was possible to identify n-propanol as a possible volatile compound
released during the thermal decomposition of the antioxidant. A complete spectroscopic characterization
in the ultraviolet, visible, near and middle infrared regions was performed in order to understand the
spectroscopic properties of PG.