Glycerol is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic. The glycerol backbone is found in all lipids known as triglycerides. It is widely used in the food industry as a sweetener and humectant and in pharmaceutical formulations. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature.
Parameter | Value |
---|---|
CAS Number |
56-81-5 |
Chemical formula |
C3H8O3 |
Molar mass |
92.09 g·mol−1 |
Appearance |
colorless liquid |
Odor |
odorless |
Density |
1.261 g/cm3 |
Melting point |
17.8 °C (64.0 °F; 290.9 K) |
Boiling point |
290 °C (554 °F; 563 K)[3] |
Solubility in water |
miscible[1] |
Vapor pressure |
0.003 mmHg (50°C) |
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) |
-57.06·10−6 cm3/mol |
Refractive index (nD) |
1.4746 |
Viscosity |
1.412 Pa·s |