Glycerol (Glycerin)

Chinese name: Glycerol
Foreign name: Glycerol
Alias: 1,2,3-Propanetriol
Chemical formula: C₃H₈O₃
Molecular weight: 92.09
CAS registry number: 56-81-5
EINECS registry number: 200-289-5
Melting point: 18.17 
Boiling point: 290 °C
Water solubility: Miscible in any proportion
Density: 1.261 g/cm³ (20°C)
Appearance: Colorless, transparent, odorless, viscous liquid
Flash point: 176 °C (open cup)
Uses:
Gas chromatography stationary phase (operating temperature 75°C, solvent: methanol), used for separation and analysis of low-boiling oxygen-containing compounds, amine compounds, nitrogen or oxygen heterocyclic compounds. Capable of separating 3-methylpyridine (boiling point 144.14°C) and 4-methylpyridine (boiling point 145.36°C). Suitable for analysis of aqueous solutions, solvent, gas meter and hydraulic shock absorber fluid, softening agent, anti-fermentation nutrient, desiccant, lubricant, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic formulation, organic synthesis, plasticizer. Miscible with water in any proportion; low-concentration glycerol solutions can serve as lubricants to moisturize the skin.
Industrial applications:
1. Used in the manufacture of glycerin, alkyd resins, and epoxy resins.
2. In medicine, used to prepare various formulations, solvents, humectants, antifreeze agents, and sweeteners, as well as in compounding external ointments or suppositories.
3. In the paint industry, used to produce various alkyd resins, polyester resins, glycidyl ethers, and epoxy resins.
4. In the textile and printing industries, used to produce lubricants, humectants, anti-wrinkle and anti-shrinkage agents for fabrics, dispersants, and penetrants.
5. In the food industry, used as a sweetener, humectant for tobacco, and solvent.
6. Widely used in industries such as papermaking, cosmetics, leather processing, photography, printing, metal processing, electrical materials, and rubber.
7. Also used as fuel for automobiles and aircraft, and as an antifreeze agent in oil fields.
8. Glycerol can be used as a plasticizer in the new ceramics industry.