Glycerin CAS No. 56-81-5

Product Description

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a versatile polyol compound. It is a clear, colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid with a sweet taste. Glycerin is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, and is miscible with water and alcohols. It can be derived from natural sources such as fats and oils through processes like saponification or transesterification, or it can be produced synthetically from petroleum-based propylene. Glycerin has a wide range of applications across various industries. In the pharmaceutical and medical fields, it is used as a humectant, emollient, and solvent in products like cough syrups, suppositories, and skin care formulations. In the food industry, glycerin serves as a sweetener, preservative, and thickening agent, helping to retain moisture and extend shelf life. In cosmetics and personal care products, it is a key ingredient in lotions, creams, and toothpaste due to its moisturizing properties. Industrially, glycerin is used in antifreeze, lubricants, plastics, and even explosives. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food and topical use, though ingestion in large amounts or topical application in high concentrations can cause mild side effects such as irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Product Use & Characteristics

Properties

• Chemical Formula: C₃H₈O₃

• Molar Mass: 92.09 g/mol

• Appearance: Clear, colorless, odorless, viscous liquid

• Taste: Sweet

• Density: 1.26 g/cm³

• Melting Point: 17.8°C (64.0°F)

• Boiling Point: 290°C (554°F) (decomposes)

• Solubility: Miscible with water and alcohols; hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)

Synthesis Methods

• Natural Source: Derived from fats and oils as a byproduct of soap or biodiesel production (saponification or transesterification)

• Synthetic Production: From petroleum-based propylene via epichlorohydrin or fermentation processes

Uses

• Pharmaceuticals & Medical:

  • Humectant in cough syrups, expectorants, and suppositories

  • Skin moisturizer (treats dryness and eczema)

  • Solvent and lubricant in medical formulations

  • Laxative (administered rectally to relieve constipation)

  • Ophthalmic use (eye drops to relieve dry eyes)

  • Wound care (antimicrobial properties, promotes healing)

• Food Industry:

  • Sweetener (E422), preservative, and thickening agent

  • Found in baked goods, candies, low-fat foods, and beverages

  • Prevents ice crystallization in frozen desserts

• Cosmetics & Personal Care:

  • Humectant and emollient in lotions, creams, soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste

  • Solvent for cosmetic formulations

  • Hair care (adds moisture and smoothness)

• Industrial Applications:

  • Antifreeze and de-icing solutions

  • Lubricants and plastics

  • Key component in e-cigarette liquid (vape juice)

  • Explosives (nitroglycerin) and printing inks

• Other Uses:

  • Preservative for biological specimens

  • Animal feed additive

  • Fuel for combustion in some applications

Safety and Side Effects

• Regulatory Status: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food and topical use

• Oral Ingestion: Large amounts can cause nausea, headache, or diarrhea

• Topical Use: Usually safe, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals

• Serious Side Effects (Rare): Allergic reactions, severe abdominal pain, hemolysis (with high-concentration intravenous infusion)

• Precautions:

  • Use with caution if you have diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease

  • Always read labels and follow directions for proper use

  • Perform a patch test before applying new glycerin-containing products to the skin

Benefits

• Excellent moisturizing and hydrating properties for the skin

• Relieves constipation

• Can help prevent dry eyes

• May improve athletic performance by aiding in fluid retention (though more research is needed)

Why us!

Sigma Chemical Group is a major chemical enterprise headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, with a diversified portfolio of subsidiaries including Henan Sigma Biotechnology Co., Ltd, QIngdao Sigma Chemical Co.,Ltd, Nanchang Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., and Jinan Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd. Established on January 16, 2017, Qingdao Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd. operates as a micro-sized chemical product wholesaler with a registered capital of RMB 100,000. Led by legal representative Yang Yuwen and based at 2-1-2301, Jiahe Xinxing, No. 130 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, the company’s operations span chemicals, machinery equipment, and import-export services. Henan Sigma Biotechnology Co., Ltd, located in Dongmafang, Muye District, Xinxiang City, Henan Province, specializes in the sales of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, and mixed feed additive series, including products like adenine, florfenicol injection, carbasalate calcium soluble powder, and cefotaxime sodium chloride injection. Guided by a win-win and innovative business philosophy, the company employs a modern management approach and customer-centric service, upholding integrity, diligence, and a commitment to quality, thereby earning customer trust through diverse product offerings and competitive pricing. Nanchang Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., situated in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, is dedicated to producing high-purity plant extracts, emphasizing eco-friendly, non-toxic chemical raw materials that generate no environmental pollutants. Jinan Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., located in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province known as the "City of Springs," focuses on manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical intermediates. The company maintains long-term industry-academia-research collaborations with Shandong University and Qilu University of Technology, continuously enhancing R&D investments to drive innovation and growth.