It is highly soluble in water. This is because glycerol can easily form hydrogen bonds. Glycerol also dissolves well in alcohol though it is insoluble in oils .

Viscosity

Glycerol is relatively viscous, but its viscosity increases with a decrease in the temperature.

Hygroscopicity

Glycerol is hygroscopic. This means it can absorb moisture when exposed to water vapors in the air.

Refractive Index

The refractive index of glycerol is about 1.474.

Chemical properties

Alcohol Nature

Glycerol is a triol, meaning it has three hydroxyl groups (-OH) with which it exhibits normal alcohol reactions.

Esterification

Glycerol undergoes esterification with fatty acids to give triglycerides.

This is the most important reaction for the formation of fats and oils.

Dehydration

Glycerol can undergo dehydration to form acrolein at heat or at very high acid.

Oxidation

Glycerol is oxidized to glyceraldehyde or dihydroxyacetone by oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate.

Reduction

It can be reduced to form other alcohols or polyols depending upon the reducing agents used.

Acid-Base Reactions

Glycerol can act as a weak acid and on reaction with strong bases, forms glycerolates.

Hydration

Being hygroscopic, Glycerol quickly absorbs water and its behaviour in formulations is affected by it.

Reactivity with Isocyanates

Glycerol can react with isocyanates to produce urethanes that are used in coatings and adhesives.

Application

Sweetener and Humectant: It is used as a sweetener and humectant in order to hold the moisture within the food items, thereby enhancing the texture also shelf life.

Antibacterial agent: Prevents the growth of certain microorganisms within the food.

Solvent and Excipient: it serves as a solvent or excipient to drugs, creams and ointments.

Cough drops and Laxatives: it is added in cough drops and laxatives because it soothes, also hydrates.

Moisturizer: It is used in creams and lotions for its moisturizing property.

Thickening Agent: Adds viscosity to products such as shampoos and gels.

Antifreeze and De-icing Agent: It is used in the automotive industry's antifreeze formulations, because it has a low freezing point.

Plasticizers: It acts as a plasticizer during the production of plastics and resins.

Cell Culture: As a cryoprotectant, it is used in cell and tissue preservation.

Bioprocessing: A nutrient source in the fermentation process.

Intermediate in Organic Chemistry: It is synthesized into a variety of chemical compounds, including nitroglycerin-an explosive-and glycerol derivatives.

Surfactant: It is part of soaps and detergents.

Energy Source: It is sometimes used as an energy source in feed formulations for animals.

Conclusion

Being a versatile chemical compound, glycerol has been valued as a solvent, humectant, and moisturizer in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Also, glycerol itself forms esters and acts along with other chemicals, so its potential use is rather quite broad and spread over various fields.

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