Glycerin

OH-CH₂-CH(OH)-CH₂-OH

Natural fats and oils are esters from glycerin and fatty acids, so called triglycerides.

RCO-OCH₂-CH(O-COR')-CH₂-O-COR

where R, R' and R are long chain alkanes (saturated fats) or alkenes (unsaturated fats). Chain lengths are in the range of C₁₆ to C₂₂ .

Glycerin is soluble in water, because of the three hydrophilic OH groups. Fats and oils are insoluble in water, because the OH groups are replaced by ester groups. They are hydrophobic (see also solubility of alcohols in water).

It is colorless, odorless and sweet tasting.

Composed C3H8O3, it is obtained commercially through the soap industry[?]; after fats and oils have been treated with alkali to form soap, distillation purifes the chemical from its crude form.

In its common liquid form, glycerol is nonpoisonous, has an affinity for water, and has a high viscosity.

Applications of the Chemical

• The making of alkyd resins[?] (plastics).
• Preperation of drugs and toilet articles; includes toothpaste.
• A moistening agent in tobacco products.
• Stamp pad[?] inks[?]; favoured for its high viscosity
• Lubricant for food-processing machinery; chosen for its high-viscosity and nonpoisonous nature.
• Petroleum product pump lubricants; chemical resists dissolving in petroleum liquids.
• Plasticizer in cellophane.
• Nitroglycerin explosives