This website uses session cookies. By continuing to use the website, you agree to their use. You can close this note by clicking on the button. Data privacy

Structural formula propane-1,2,3-triol

Glycerin Know-How

Propane-1,2,3-triol is the correct chemical denomination for the alcohol glycerin. This simple and best known trivalent alcohol is included in all natural oils and fats as an ester of fatty acids and plays an important role in numerous metabolic processes.

Glycerin
 

MEANING OF THE DENOMINATION PROPANE-1,2,3-TRIOL

The IUPAC term for glycerin gives an indication of the structure and composition of this substance. The first part of the name points to the fact that this chemical compound is based on propane, a hydrocarbon. The numbers indicate that one hydroxyl group each is attached to the first, second, and third carbon atom. Since a total of three hydroxyl groups are attached, the syllable “tri” (Greek for “three”) is added. Finally, the ending “ol” is added that is used for alcohols and phenols in organic chemistry.

The IUPAC nomenclature on which this denomination is based allows for unambiguous allocation of chemical compounds by their name. IUPAC was founded in 1919 with the aim to facilitate and improve the communication and collaboration of chemists.

PROPERTIES OF PROPANE-1,2,3-TRIOL

At room temperature, glycerin is an odorless, colorless, viscous and hygroscopic liquid featuring a sweetish taste. The density is 1.26 grams per cubic centimeter at 25 °C. The melting temperature is 17.9 °C, the boiling temperature 290 °C. As solid material, glycerin forms rhombic, translucent crystals. It can be mixed with water at any ratio, while it is hardly soluble in ether and insoluble in chloroform, gasoline and benzene.

When exposed to heat, glycerin generates white steam. When heated under lack of oxygen, it decomposes to unsaturated, well water-soluble and toxic aldehyde propanal, also termed acrylic aldehyde or acrolein. With aqueous potassium permanganate, it oxidizes up to mesoxalic acid. With solid potassium permanganate, by contrast, under spontaneous combustion it oxidizes completely to water and carbon dioxide.

POSSIBLE FIELDS OF APPLICATION

Glycerin is a versatile substance that is used, among other things, as a moisturizer in cosmetics, as antifreeze, and as a lubricant and softener. Propane-1,2,3-triol can be used in a wide range of fields such as production of plastics, dyestuff, toothpaste as well as medicine applications such as drug for the treatment of cerebral edemaor or in the form of a suppository, as an osmotic laxative in the rectum.

Under the abbreviation E 422, propane-1,2,3-triol is often used as a food additive, for instance as a sweetener, antifreeze, anti-fogging agent or wetting agent.

As a component of leather care products and shoepolish, propane-1,2,3-triol keeps the leather soft and smooth thanks to its moisturizing properties. Moreover, it becomes increasingly interesting as a low-cost feedstuff for chickens, pigs and ruminants.

Address

Mercur Handel GmbH
Schinkelstraße 44a
40211 Düsseldorf
Germany

contact

Phone: +49 2 11 / 15 98 87-0
Fax: +49 2 11 / 15 98 87 87
nfmrcrlcm

 

ADDRESS

Mercur Handel GmbH
Schinkelstraße 44a
40211 DüsseldorfGermany

contact

Phone: +49 2 11 / 15 98 87-0
Fax: +49 2 11 / 15 98 87 87
nfmrcrlcm