Skip to main content

Glycerol

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C3H8O3
CAS number
56-81-5
IUPAC name
glycerol;stearic acid
State
State

At room temperature, glycerol exists as a liquid.

Melting point (Celsius)
17.80
Melting point (Kelvin)
290.95
Boiling point (Celsius)
290.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
563.15
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 that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Glycerol and Stearic Acid

When discussing the solubility of glycerol (C3H8O3) and stearic acid (C18H36O2), it's essential to understand the unique properties of each compound.

Glycerol

Glycerol is a polyol compound that is highly soluble in water due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Key points regarding glycerol's solubility include:

  • High Water Solubility: Glycerol is miscible with water in all proportions.
  • Hydrophilic Nature: The presence of three hydroxyl (-OH) groups enhances its interaction with polar solvents.
  • Applications: This solubility makes glycerol useful in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products.

Stearic Acid

On the other hand, stearic acid presents a contrary case with limited solubility in water, which can be attributed to its long nonpolar hydrocarbon tail:

  • Poor Water Solubility: Stearic acid has a very low solubility in water (approximately 0.003 g per 100 mL at 25°C).
  • Hydrophobic Characteristics: The long carbon chain of stearic acid makes it predominantly hydrophobic, leading to its insoluble nature in polar solvents.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: It is, however, soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone due to their nonpolar interactions.

In summary, while glycerol is highly soluble in water and interacts well with polar environments, stearic acid is primarily insoluble in water due to its long hydrophobic tail. Understanding these properties is critical for their application in various fields.

Interesting facts

Glycerol and Stearic Acid: A Dynamic Duo in Chemistry

Glycerol and stearic acid are fascinating compounds that play significant roles in various chemical and biological processes. Here are some intriguing facts about these two compounds:

What is Glycerol?

  • Triol Structure: Glycerol, also known as glycerin or glycerine, is a simple polyol compound, consisting of three hydroxyl groups (-OH) that make it a triol.
  • Common Uses: Glycerol is widely used in food production as a sweetener, humectant, and preservative. It also finds applications in pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, and personal care products.
  • Biocompatibility: Due to its non-toxic nature, glycerol is safe for human consumption and use in various personal care items, making it extremely valuable in the industry.

Exploring Stearic Acid

  • Natural Fatty Acid: Stearic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid primarily found in animal and plant fats. It is widely recognized for its role as a building block in the synthesis of lipids.
  • Soap and Cosmetics: This fatty acid is commonly used in soap making and cosmetics, enhancing texture and acting as an emulsifying agent. Its ability to stabilize mixtures makes it essential in formulating creams and lotions.
  • Health Benefits: Some studies suggest that stearic acid may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health, positioning it as a beneficial ingredient in dietary formulations.

The Chemistry behind Their Interaction

When glycerol and stearic acid come together, they undergo a process called esterification, forming glycerol stearate. This reaction is essential in creating emulsifiers, which allow oil and water to mix—crucial in food and cosmetics formulations. Glycerol stearate has applications such as:

  • Emulsifying agents in dressings and sauces
  • Thickening agents in lotions and creams
  • Surfactants in various cleaning products

In conclusion, the combination of glycerol and stearic acid demonstrates the beautiful interplay of chemistry in everyday products and their indispensable roles in various industries. Their unique properties and applications highlight the importance of understanding chemical interactions in both science and daily life.

Synonyms
SCHEMBL381905