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C₃H₈O₃

Glycerol

IUPAC : Glycerol
OrganicEverydayFoodPharmaceuticalIndustrial

Viscous, sweet triol, a co-product of fat saponification and biodiesel production. Ubiquitous in cosmetics (humectant), food (E422) and pharmacy (excipient).

3D ball-and-stick representation of Glycerol (formula C₃H₈O₃). Constituent atoms: C, H, O.
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Physical properties

Molar mass92.094 g/mol
State at 20 °Cliquid
Density1.261 g/cm³
Melting point291.15 K (18.00 °C)
Boiling point563.00 K (290 °C)
Solubility (H₂O)miscible
Refractive index1.474

Structure

Crystal system—
3D render modeBall-and-stick

Uses and applications

  • Cosmetics (humectant, moisturiser in creams and soaps)
  • Food additive E422 (humectant, solvent, sweetener)
  • Pharmaceutical excipient (syrups, suppositories)
  • Nitroglycerin and dynamite manufacturing
  • E-cigarette liquids (VG base)
  • Food-grade non-toxic antifreeze

Constituent elements

6C
Carbon
1H
Hydrogen
8O
Oxygen

References

PubChem CID753
CAS56-81-5
SMILESOCC(O)CO
Sources : PubChem CID 753 · NIST Chemistry WebBook