Glycerol (Glycerine)

Glycerol, also known as glycerine, is a versatile, high-purity polyol characterized by its colorless, transparent appearance, odorless nature, viscous consistency, and mildly sweet taste. Chemically, glycerol is a three-carbon trihydric alcohol containing three hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups. Its excellent hygroscopicity, water solubility, chemical stability, and compatibility with a broad range of organic and inorganic substances make it an important multifunctional raw material across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, textile, and industrial sectors.

Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: C₃H₈O₃

• CAS Number: 56-81-5

• EINECS Number: 200-289-5

• Molecular Structure: Three-carbon polyol (triol) containing three hydroxyl (-OH) groups

• Appearance: Colorless, transparent, viscous liquid

• Odor: Odorless

• Taste: Mildly sweet

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water and readily miscible with many polar solvents and alcohols

• Key Functional Properties: Hygroscopicity, humectancy, solvent capability, plasticizing effect, and cryoprotective properties

The three hydroxyl groups in glycerol provide strong intermolecular interactions with water, accounting for its exceptional moisture-retention capacity and high water solubility. These characteristics enable glycerol to function effectively as a humectant, solvent, plasticizer, carrier, and stabilizing agent in numerous formulations.

Origin and Production

Glycerol occurs naturally as an integral structural component of triglycerides, which constitute the primary form of fats and oils in both vegetable and animal sources. Commercial glycerol is commonly obtained as a co-product of vegetable-oil processing, biodiesel manufacturing, and fat saponification during soap production.

Depending on the required grade and application, glycerol may undergo purification, refining, filtration, and concentration processes to achieve the desired level of purity and compliance with applicable industry standards. High-purity glycerol is available for applications requiring food-grade, cosmetic-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, or USP-quality materials.

Key Industrial Applications

1. Food and Beverage Industry

Glycerol is widely utilized as a multifunctional food ingredient because of its moisture-retention and solvent properties. It can serve as:

• A humectant to maintain moisture and prevent drying

• A sweetening agent in selected formulations

• A texturizing and conditioning agent

• A carrier or solvent for certain food ingredients and flavors

• A formulation aid for improving product stability and consistency

2. Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications

In pharmaceutical formulations, glycerol functions as a highly effective solvent, humectant, plasticizer, and viscosity-modifying agent. It is incorporated into:

• Oral pharmaceutical preparations and syrups

• Topical formulations and ointments

• Suppositories

• Selected laxative preparations

• Pharmaceutical solvents and excipient systems

• Cryoprotective formulations and biological preservation systems

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care

Glycerol is a fundamental ingredient in modern personal-care formulations due to its excellent hygroscopic properties. It helps attract and retain moisture within formulations and on the skin, making it suitable for:

• Moisturizers and facial creams

• Lotions and body-care products

• Cleansers and soaps

• Hair-care formulations

• Serums and gels

• Other skin-conditioning and personal-care products

4. Chemical and Coatings Industry

Glycerol is an important chemical intermediate and functional raw material used in the manufacture of:

• Alkyd resins

• Epoxy-related formulations

• Plasticizers

• Coatings and surface-treatment materials

• Chemical intermediates

• Specialized polymer systems

It can also serve as a feedstock for the synthesis of various glycerol derivatives and downstream chemical products.

5. Textile and Dyeing Industry

In textile processing, glycerol is employed for its lubricating, hygroscopic, dispersing, and penetrating characteristics. It can be used in:

• Lubricating formulations

• Moisture-retention systems

• Anti-shrinkage textile treatments

• Dyeing and finishing auxiliaries

• Dispersing and penetrating agents

6. Tobacco Industry

Glycerol is used as a humectant and solvent in tobacco-related formulations, where its moisture-retention properties help regulate product moisture and physical characteristics.

7. Laboratory and Biotechnology Applications

Glycerol is extensively used in laboratory, microbiological, and biotechnology applications as a cryoprotectant and preservation medium. It can help protect biological materials and microbial cultures against damage associated with freezing and storage.

8. Other Industrial Applications

The versatility of glycerol extends to a broad range of industries, including:

• Paper manufacturing

• Leather processing

• Printing and photographic applications

• Rubber and elastomer processing

• Adhesives and specialty formulations

• Agricultural and industrial chemical formulations

Product Specifications

Product Advantages

Glycerol offers a combination of high purity, excellent moisture-retention capacity, broad solvent compatibility, chemical stability, and multifunctional performance. Its ability to act simultaneously as a humectant, solvent, plasticizer, viscosity modifier, and cryoprotectant makes it a valuable ingredient for both formulated products and industrial processes.

With a purity of ≥99.7%, this glycerol is suitable for a wide range of applications where consistent quality, reliable performance, and controlled formulation characteristics are required.