Product Description:
Glycerol is a colorless, odorless liquid with a sweet taste. It is commonly used as a moisturizer in lotions and as a sweetener in foods and is non-toxic.
Applications & Uses:
CAS#:
56-81-5
SYNONYM:
Glycerin;1,2,3-Propanetriol;Glyceritol
FORMULA:
C3H8O3
PRODUCT TYPE:
HAZARD:
Low
CATEGORIES:
Raw Material
,
Humectants and Emollients
,
Food Chemicals
Technical Specifications
Appearance :
colorless liquid
Boiling Point, °C :
290
Density, g/cm3 :
1.26
Flash Point, °C :
160
Melting point, °C :
18
Molecular weight, g/mol :
92.09
Odor :
odorless
Refractive index, n20/D :
1.473
Glycerol, also known as glycerin or glycerine, is a simple polyol compound that is colorless, odorless, and viscous. Its chemical composition is C3H8O3, characterized by three hydroxyl (OH) groups that contribute to its solubility in water and hygroscopic nature. Glycerol is renowned for its diverse applications across multiple industries due to its non-toxic, biodegradable attributes.
In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, glycerol is prized as a humectant, solvent, and emollient, playing a vital role in the formulation of skin care products, lotions, and soaps to hydrate and maintain skin moisture. In the food industry, it is used as a sweetener, preservative, and thickening agent, enhancing the texture and stability of a variety of food products. Additionally, glycerol serves as an essential raw material in the production of nitroglycerin, an active component in explosives such as dynamite.
In the biotechnological field, glycerol functions as a cryoprotectant, safeguarding biological samples at low temperatures by preventing ice crystal formation. Its role extends to serving as a carbon source in microbial growth mediums for fermentation processes. Recognized for its safety and versatility, glycerol is integral to many industrial applications, offering solutions that prioritize efficacy and environmental sustainability.