Glycerol (C3H8O3 or CH2OH-CHOH-CH2OH) [Definition, synonyms, & application]

Glycerin 250 kg DrumIt has the appearance of a colourless to brown coloured liquid. The compound is trihydroxy alcohol with localized osmotic diuretic and laxative effects. It is also known as glycerin, glycerine, 56-81-5, 1,2,3-Propanetriol, optim, glycyl alcohol, trihydroxypropane, polyglycerol, grocolene, glysanin, and glyrol just to mention a few.

Some of the applications of glycerol include:

1. It is applied in oil and gas fields as a downhole lubricant.
2. It is applied in pesticide formulations as a wetting agent.
3. It is applied as a solvent.
4. It is applied as a humectant (a substance used to prevent moisture loss)
5. It is applied as a plasticizer.
6. It is applied as an emollient.
7. It is applied as a sweetener.
8. It is applied in the manufacture of dynamite (nitroglycerin).
9. It is applied in the cosmetic industry as a humectant and lubricant.
10. It is used in the manufacture of liquid soaps.
11. It is applied in the manufacture of liqueurs.
12. It is applied in the manufacture of confectionaries.
13. It is used in blacking.
14. It is applied in the manufacture of printing and copying inks.
15. It is applied in the manufacture of lubricants.
16. It is used in the manufacture of elastic glues.
17. It is used in the manufacture of lead oxide types of cement.
18. It is used to keep fabrics pliable.
19. It is used to preserve printing on cotton.
20. It is used for printing rollers.
21. It is used to keep frost from windshields.
22. It is applied as an antifreeze in automobiles.
23. It is applied in hydraulic jacks and gas meters.
24. It is used in shock-absorbing fluids.
25. It is applied in the production of antibiotics in fermentation nutrients.
26. It is used as a pharmaceutical aid.
27. It is used to condition tobacco.
28. It is applied as an emulsifying agent.
29. It is applied as a solvent for flavours and food colours.
30. It is applied as a bacteriostat.
31. It is applied as a humectant and lubricant in toilet preparations.
32. It is applied in the preparation of quick-frozen food.
33. It is applied in the manufacture of polyether polyols for urethane foams.
34. It is used in dugs to aid in maintaining moisture and smoothness.