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Glycerin

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a simple polyol with the chemical formula C3H8O3 and the IUPAC name propane-1,2,3-triol. It is a colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting liquid that is highly viscous and hygroscopic. It is miscible with water, ethanol, and acetone, and it has a boiling point around 290°C and a melting point near 17.8°C. Glycerin is chemically stable under normal conditions.

Natural occurrence and production

Glycerol occurs naturally as the backbone of triglycerides in fats and oils. Industrially, it is produced mainly

Uses and applications

Glycerin serves as a versatile humectant, solvent, plasticizer, and sweetener. In the food industry it is used

Safety and regulation

Glycerin is generally regarded as safe for use in regulated amounts in foods and consumer products. High

as
a
byproduct
of
soap
manufacture
from
fats
and
oils,
or
via
catalytic
processing
of
propylene
oxide.
It
can
also
be
obtained
from
other
fat-derivative
routes
and,
in
some
cases,
from
fermentation
processes.
In
biochemistry,
glycerol
is
central
to
metabolism
as
a
three-carbon
alcohol
that
can
be
phosphorylated
to
glycerol-3-phosphate.
as
a
stabilizer
and
additive
(often
labeled
as
E422).
In
cosmetics
and
personal
care,
it
functions
as
a
moisturizer
and
solvent.
In
pharmaceuticals,
it
acts
as
a
solvent
and
lubricant.
It
is
also
used
as
an
osmotic
laxative
for
medical
purposes.
Glycerol
is
a
key
precursor
in
the
production
of
nitroglycerin,
a
compound
historically
important
as
an
explosive
and
used
in
medicine
as
a
vasodilator.
oral
doses
can
have
a
laxative
effect
and
may
cause
dehydration.
Skin
contact
may
cause
irritation
in
sensitive
individuals.
It
is
relatively
non-toxic
but
should
be
handled
with
normal
industrial
hygiene
and
safety
practices.