Monograph of Liquid Glycerin (Part I)

• Formula: (HOCH2)2CHOH

• Physical characteristics: odorless, thick, and clear liquid with a sweet taste

• CAS number: 56-81-5

• NIH PubChem CID: 753

• Molar mass: 92.09 g. mol-1

• Density: 1.261 g/cm3 (20°C)

• Vapor pressure: 0.0002 mmHg (25°C)

• Vapor density: 3.17 (air=1)

• Boiling point: 290°C

• Melting point: 18°C

• Viscosity: 954 cp (20°C)

• Surface tension: 64.8 g/s2 (20°C)

• Refractive index: 1.4758 (20°C)

• Saturation concentration: 0.0003% (50°C)

• Dipole moment: 2.617

• Dielectric constant: 41.01 (23°C)

• pKa/pKb: 13.52 (pKa)

• Critical temperature: 577°C

• Critical pressure: 74.02 mmHg

• Partition coefficient: -1.76 pKow

• Heat of fusion: 18.3 kJ/mol

• Heat of vaporization: 61.4 kJ/mol

• Heat of combustion: -1663 kJ/mol

• Flash point: 199°C

• Autoignition: 370°C

Storage: 

Liquid glycerin absorbs moisture easily, so it should be stored in a tightly closed container and protected against incompatible substances. When not in use, store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

Handling: 

Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling the substance.  Use liquid glycerin in an adequately ventilated room and wear protective clothing. Avoid body contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Clothing tainted with the substance should be washed well before reuse. In case of spillage, absorb spills with materials like dry sand or earth before disposing in a chemical waste bin. Clean up spills immediately and dispose properly.

Liquid Glycerin

Liquid Glycerin is a viscous, odorless, colorless, and sweet liquid usually added in toiletry and medical preparations. Glycerin's most common application is in soap making, although it is also used in explosives manufacturing, in the form of nitroglycerin. Soluble in water and alcohol, it boils to 290°C while it freezes to a paste.

Liquid Glycerin is naturally occurring in plants and animals, including humans. It accumulates either subcutaneously or as lipid formations in muscles. There are two types of glycerin: natural glycerin which is sourced from plants such as palm and synthetic glycerin which is sourced from biodiesel synthesis. To process glycerin naturally, the crude substance derived from fat hydrolysis is first refined and condensed into an aqueous solution (known as sweet water), then further distilled and refined until the solution arrives in its final form.