What is glycerin?
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and viscous polyol widely utilized in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic preparations. It is listed in CAS as 56-81-5 and its official IUPAC nomenclature is propane-1,2,3-triol. Having a chemical formula of (HOCH2)2CHOH, its three hydrophilic hydroxyl groups are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. Its pure form is referred to as glycerol.
Glycerin is a by-product of saponification process, usually seen in soap making. Its molecular structure is the chief groundwork for all lipid molecules known as triglycerides.
What are its physical properties?
Glycerin has a melting point of 17.8°C and a boiling point of 290°C. It has a molecular mass of 92.094 g/mol and a density of 1.261 g/cm3. This odorless alcohol has a refractive index of 1.4746 nD and a viscosity of 1.412 Pa·s. Its surface tension is 64 mN/m (20°C) and its temperature coefficient is -0.0598 mN/(mK).
