Glyseroli

Glyseroli, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a simple polyol and a three-carbon compound with three hydroxyl groups. Its chemical formula is C3H8O3, and its IUPAC name is propane-1,2,3-triol. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is highly hygroscopic and miscible with water and many organic solvents.

Glyseroli is characterized by its three hydroxyl groups, which confer high polarity, hydrophilicity, and a relatively high boiling point for a simple three-carbon compound. It is non-volatile and has a high degree of solubility in water and many solvents. Typical physical properties include a melting point of about -38°C and a boiling point around 290°C (decomposition occurs before boiling). It has a density near 1.26 g/cm3 at room temperature and a viscosity that makes it noticeably thick at ambient conditions.

Production and sources: Glyseroli occurs naturally in fats and oils and is produced industrially as a byproduct of biodiesel production through the transesterification of triglycerides. It can also be generated by hydrolysis or saponification of fats and oils. Refined glycerol is supplied in various grades, including food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade, to meet different purity and contaminant requirements.

Applications: It is widely used as a humectant, solvent, plasticizer, and sweetener in food and cosmetics. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a solvent and excipient, and it finds use in cryopreservation and as a stabilizer in various formulations. It is also employed in some antifreeze formulations and as a moisture-retaining additive in various products; in the food industry, it is listed as E422.

Safety and handling: Glyseroli has relatively low acute toxicity and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for many uses, though large oral doses can cause osmotic effects. It should be stored in sealed containers, kept away from heat sources, and handled with standard chemical hygiene practices.