What Is Glycerol?
Glycerol, commonly known as glycerin, is a naturally occurring trivalent alcohol. It is named after the Greek word ‘glykys’ for its sweet taste and is a viscous, clear, colorless liquid with no significant hazards. Glycerol is present in plant and animal bodies, often stored as lipids under the skin. It is typically produced through the hydrolysis of biological fats and oils.
Uses of Glycerol
Glycerol is used as a food additive for sweetening, thickening, and stabilizing. Its derivatives, glycerol fatty acid esters, are popular emulsifiers in margarine, dairy beverages, and confectionery. Besides emulsification, glycerol is used in foaming and defoaming agents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals as moisturizers and lubricants, and as a dyeing aid in paints and inks.
Properties of Glycerol
Glycerol has a melting point of 64.4°F (18°C) and a boiling point of 554°F (290°C). It is highly hygroscopic, soluble in water, ethanol, pyridine, and phenol, but insoluble in acetone, diethyl ether, and non-polar solvents like mineral oil and chloroform. Its chemical formula is C3H8O3, with a molar mass of 92.09382 g/mol and a density of 1.261 g/cm3.
Other Information on Glycerol
1. Synthesis of Glycerol
Glycerol can be synthesized from triacylglycerols in fats and oils or as a byproduct in biodiesel production. It can also be produced from propylene through various pathways, including via epichlorohydrin.
2. Reactions Involving Glycerol
Glycerol undergoes various chemical reactions. It can be esterified with formic acid, dehydrated to acrolein, or react to produce allyl alcohol, brominated derivatives, chlorinated forms, and quinoline skeletons under specific conditions.
3. Hazards and Safety of Glycerol
While generally safe, glycerol should be handled with care, as it can be slightly irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Appropriate safety measures, such as wearing gloves and protective eyewear, are recommended during handling.