C3H8O3

C3H8O3 is the chemical formula for glycerol, also known as glycerin. It is a simple triol and serves as the backbone of triglycerides. Glycerol is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid that is miscible with water and many organic solvents. At room temperature it remains liquid; its melting point is about 17.8°C and its boiling point around 290°C. The density is about 1.26 g/mL at 20°C.

Chemical structure: Propane-1,2,3-triol. It contains three hydroxyl groups attached to a three-carbon chain: two primary alcohols and one secondary alcohol. The molecule is achiral due to symmetry of the two end groups. Glycerol is highly hygroscopic and forms esters with fatty acids to give glycerides.

Occurrence and production: Natural glycerol occurs as a byproduct of fat breakdown in animals and plants. Industrially it is obtained mainly from the hydrolysis or saponification of fats and oils, or as a byproduct of biodiesel production. Refined glycerol is used widely as a chemical intermediate.

Applications: In food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener (as E422 in foods). It serves as a plasticizer and solvent in polymers and a stabilizer in many formulations. It is also the backbone of triglycerides, where glycerol esterifies with fatty acids to form fats and oils.

Safety and regulation: Glycerol is generally regarded as safe for use in foods and consumer products. It has low acute toxicity but can act as a laxative in large quantities. It is readily biodegradable and is not considered persistent in the environment.