glycerolin

Glycerolin, more commonly known as glycerol or glycerin, is a simple polyol with the chemical formula C3H8O3 and the systematic name propane-1,2,3-triol. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid with a distinctive sweet taste. Glycerol is highly hygroscopic and is miscible with water and many organic solvents. It has a high boiling point (around 290°C) and is commonly used as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener in various applications.

Chemically, glycerol contains three hydroxyl groups, which enable it to form esters with fatty acids to give glycerides. Glycerol itself is produced when fats and oils are saponified or hydrolyzed, releasing glycerol from triglycerides. Industrially, glycerol is also obtained as a byproduct of biodiesel production and can be produced by fermentation in some processes.

Applications of glycerol are broad. In the food industry it is used as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, it serves as a solvent, stabilizer, and moisturizing agent. It is also employed as a plasticizer in certain polymers and as a cryoprotectant in biological sample preservation and enzyme preparations. Glycerol’s chemical properties make it useful as a solvent for inks, fragrances, and some chemical reactions, and it is used in some antifreeze formulations and as a stabilizer in various formulations.

Safety and regulations: Glycerol is generally regarded as safe for use in foods and consumer products when used within recommended concentrations. It is low in acute toxicity, but high oral intake can have laxative effects. Concentrated solutions can cause irritation to skin or eyes.

Note: glycerolin is a variant spelling encountered in some texts; the substance described here is glycerol/glycerin.