Glycerin (pharma)
General Product Information
| Article | Glycerin (pharma) |
| Synonyms | E422, Glycerol, 1,2,3-Propanetriol, Propane-1,2,3-triol, 1,2,3-Trihydroxylpropane, 1,2,3-Trioxypropane |
| CAS No. | 56-81-5 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 200-289-5 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29054500 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. It is a naturally occurring compound created primarily as a byproduct at the production of biodiesel (transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats) or is manufactured synthetically from propylene. Glycerine is valued for its wetting, soluble and lubricating properties, and is versatile in a variety of industries.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: Colorless.
- Grade: Pharmaceutical.
- Soluble: Yes, in water and many organic solvents.
- Taste: Sweet.
- Shape: Viscous liquid.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C3H8O3 |
| Molar Weight | 92.09 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 18 °C |
| Boiling Point | 290 °C |
| Density | 1.26 g/cm³ (at 20°C) |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | 5-7 (in aqueous solution) |
Interessing Links
- British Pharmacopoeia (BP) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- CAS Common Chemistry – Glycerol
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- European Pharmacopoeia (EP) of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare.
- PubChem – Glycerin of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Wikipedia – Glycerol
Applications
Glycerin is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
Glycerin acts as a solvent, filler in capsules and humectant in cough syrups and ointments.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
A widely used base material in creams, lotions, toothpastes and soaps because of its skin-softening properties.
3. Food Industry
As food additive E422, glycerin is used as a sweetener, preservative and moisture retention agent in products such as cakes, sweets and beverages.
4. Chemical Industry
As a raw material for production of nitroglycerin, polyester resins, and plasticizers.
5. Tobacco Industry
Used to retain moisture in tobacco.
6. Technical Applications
In antifreeze, as a lubricant and as a component in electronic fluids.