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Glycerol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H8O3
CAS number
56-81-5
IUPAC name
butane-1,2,3-triol
State
State

Glycerol is typically in a liquid state at room temperature due to its low melting point of 17.8 °C. It is an important polyol compound in both industrial and biological applications.

Melting point (Celsius)
17.80
Melting point (Kelvin)
290.80
Boiling point (Celsius)
290.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
563.00
General information
Molecular weight
92.09g/mol
Molar mass
92.0940g/mol
Density
1.2613g/cm3
Appearence

Glycerol is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid. It has a sweet taste and is non-toxic, making it distinct in appearance compared to other polyols. Glycerol is hygroscopic, which means it readily absorbs moisture from the air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Butane-1,2,3-triol

Butane-1,2,3-triol, commonly known as glycerol, demonstrates fascinating solubility characteristics due to its chemical nature. It is a polyol compound, which means it contains multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups. These functional groups significantly influence its interaction with solvents.

Key points about the solubility of butane-1,2,3-triol include:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: Glycerol is extremely soluble in water, with a solubility of about 1,000 g/L at room temperature. This is primarily attributed to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Solvent Properties: It is also a good solvent for many organic compounds, making it an invaluable reagent in laboratory settings.
  • Miscibility with Alcohols: Butane-1,2,3-triol is miscible with other alcohols, like ethanol and methanol, further expanding its utility in various chemical applications.
  • Limited Solubility in Nonpolar Solvents: Conversely, glycerol has low solubility in nonpolar solvents, such as hexane or benzene, due to the lack of polar interactions.

In summary, the solubility of butane-1,2,3-triol is largely governed by its polyol nature and hydrogen bonding capability, making it a versatile substance in both aqueous and organic chemical contexts.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Butane-1,2,3-triol

Butane-1,2,3-triol, commonly known as glycerol or glycerin, is a fascinating compound that plays a vital role in various fields, from food science to pharmaceuticals. Here are some intriguing details about this versatile compound:

  • Natural Substance: Glycerol is a naturally occurring compound found in various fats and oils, making it an integral component of biological lipids.
  • Humectant Properties: It is widely used in cosmetics and skincare products due to its ability to attract moisture, helping to keep the skin hydrated.
  • Food Industry: Glycerol acts as a sweetener and preservative in many food products. Its sweetness is about 60% that of sucrose (table sugar).
  • Medical Applications: In medicine, glycerol is utilized as a solubilizing agent and as an osmotic agent in various formulations, including eye drops and cough syrups.
  • Biodegradable: One of the environmental advantages of glycerol is that it is biodegradable, making it an appealing alternative to synthetic compounds in many applications.
  • Versatile Solvent: Glycerol can dissolve a wide range of polar and non-polar compounds, making it a useful solvent in chemical reactions and extraction processes.
  • Historical Significance: The compound was first identified by the chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1779, and its name is derived from the Greek word "glykys," which means sweet.

Overall, butane-1,2,3-triol showcases a perfect blend of functionality and safety, making it essential in various industries while also benefiting health and environmental sustainability.

Synonyms
1,2,3-Butanetriol
Butane-1,2,3-triol
4435-50-1
1,2,3-TRIHYDROXYBUTANE
1,2,3-Butanetril
BWU4IG3WAC
EINECS 224-643-3
CHEBI:131388
DTXSID80871078
1-methylglycerol
DTXCID30818751
1-METHYL-1,2,3-PROPANETRIOL
224-643-3
(2R*,3R*)-1,2,3-Butanetriol
NSC75725
MFCD00059662
METHYL GLYCERIN
UNII-BWU4IG3WAC
SCHEMBL50023
41167-49-1
1 pound not2 pound not3-Butanetriol
SB83873
BS-50980
DS-002381
B0918
CS-0332229
NS00048472
D88714