| Formula / Notation | C3H8O3 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 56-81-5 |
| Molecular Weight | 92.09 |
| Melting Point | 64 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 554 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.261 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Glycerine appears as a colorless to brown colored liquid. Combustible but may require some effort to ignite. |
| Also Known As | propane-1,2,3-triol; glycerin; 56-81-5; Glycerine; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; Glycyl alcohol; Trihydroxypropane; Glyceritol; Osmoglyn; 1,2,3-trihydroxypropane |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Glycerol?
Glycerol is a triol with a structure of propane substituted at positions 1, 2 and 3 by hydroxy groups. It has a role as a geroprotector, an osmolyte, a detergent, a solvent, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is an alditol and a triol.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: propane-1,2,3-triol
Other Names / Synonyms: propane-1,2,3-triol; glycerin; 56-81-5; Glycerine; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; Glycyl alcohol; Trihydroxypropane; Glyceritol; Osmoglyn; 1,2,3-trihydroxypropane
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 64 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 554 °F at 760 mmHg (decomposes) (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.261 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 92.09 |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Glycerine appears as a colorless to brown colored liquid. Combustible but may require some effort to ignite. |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Glycerol is a triol with a structure of propane substituted at positions 1, 2 and 3 by hydroxy groups. It has a role as a geroprotector, an osmolyte, a detergent, a solvent, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is an alditol and a triol.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Glycerol is: C3H8O3