Uses Of Glycerol: Applications, Properties & Side Effects

Glycerol is mostly used in medicines. Glycerol is present in lipids and is obtained from plants and animals. It belongs to an alcohol family of organic compounds. Glycerol is obtained either as a co-product of fat splitting or transesterification whereas glycerol can also be produced synthetically from propylene.

Key Terms: Glycerin, Organic Compound, Carbon, Biodegradable, Preservatives, Alcohol

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What Is Glycerol?

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Glycerol is a colourless naturally occurring chemical which is also known as glycerin. Glycerol is a biodegradable component. Glycerol can also be termed sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols belong to a category of polyols which is further characterized by white in color, water-soluble and organic compounds.

Glycerol is a polyol compound containing three hydroxyl groups and three carbon atoms and each group of hydroxyl is covalently bonded with a carbon atom. 

Also Check: Preparation of alcohol

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Properties Of Glycerol

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The properties of glycerol are as follows:

• The molecular structure of glycerol is C3H8O3
• The molecular weight of glycerol is 92.09 g/mol.
• The density of glycerol is 1.261 g/cm3
• The boiling point of glycerol is 290°C
• The IUPAC name of glycerol is 1,2,3− propane triol.
• The melting point of glycerol is 17.8°C

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Uses Of Glycerol

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Glycerol is used in the following ways:

Glycerol In Food Industry

• In the food industry glycerol is used as a preservative.
• Glycerol is used as a filler in low-fat food.
• Glycerol is used in thickening liqueurs.
• Glycerol is also used as a sweetening agent in the food industry.
• Glycerol is even used to maintain the moisture of food.
• Glycerol is used to preserve certain types of plant leaves.

Glycerol In Medical Industry

• Glycerol in the medical industry is used as a lubricant and humectant.
• Glycerol is used for treating eyes by increasing eye pressure.
• Glycerol has antiviral and antimicrobial properties so is used to treat wounds and burns.
• Glycerol is also used for moisturizing the scalp.
• Glycerol is also used in toothpaste.
• Glycerol with its moisturizing properties is used as a skin moisturizer.

Other Uses Of Glycerol

• Glycerol is also used by athletes to avoid dehydration.
• In the production of nitroglycerin, glycerol is used as a raw material.
• In dynamite production, glycerol is one of the ingredients used.
• Certain types of diesel generators are powered by glycerol.
• In the film, industry glycerol is used to prevent the water area from quickly drying out. 

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Side Effects Of Glycerol

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If glycerol is taken orally it causes side effects like headaches, dizziness, bloating, nausea, vomiting, thirst, and diarrhea, whereas when glycerol is injected into the body, its composition may severely damage the red blood cell. 

Excessive use of glycerol by any means of intake harms the body severely. 

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Things To Remember

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• The agent is a biodegradable component. 
• The molecular structure of glycerol is C3H8O3
•  It belongs to an alcohol family of organic compounds.
• The IUPAC name of glycerol is 1,2,3− propane triol.
• The boiling point of glycerol is 290°C
• Glycerol is used in thickening liqueurs.
• Glycerol is also used for moisturizing the scalp.

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Previous Year Questions

1. Glycerol Is Not Used In….
2. What Weight Of Glycerol Should Be Added To 600 G O…. 
3. The Product When Glycerol Is Heated With Oxalic Ac…. 
4. Glycerol Is An Alcohol Which Can Be Classified As….  [JKCET 2005]
5. The Density Of Glycerol Is Higher Than Propanol Du…. [GUJCET 2010]
6. Phospholipids Are Esters Of Glycerol With…  [NEET 2003]
7. The Correct Order Of Viscosity Of The Following… [JEE Main 2013]
8. Highest Viscosity Is Exhibited By…
9. The Value Of Coefficient Of Volume Expansion Of… [NEET 2015]
10. Two Similar Thin Equi Convex Lenses Of Focal Length… [NEET 2019]
11. 4 0 G Of A Gas Occupies 22 4 Litres At Ntp The… [NEET 2015]
12. Which Of The Following Is Not Used To Distinguish…  [COMEDK UGET 2010]
13. When 2 Bromopentane Is Heated With Alcoholic Solution…  [COMEDK UGET 2014]
14. Isopropyl Chloride And Isobutyl Chloride Reacts…. [COMEDK UGET 2011]
15. In Benzene Each Carbon Atom Undergoes…  [COMEDK UGET 2009]
16. Iodine Value Is Used To Determine… [COMEDK UGET 2008]
17. Friedel Craft Reaction Is Not Related With… [UPSEEE 2016]
18. By Wurtz Reaction A Mixture Of Methyl Iodide And E… [BCECE 2006]
19. Which Of The Following Is A Chiral Molecule.. [AMUEEE 2012]
20. Which Of The Following Is Least Reactive To… [JKCET 2012]

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