Glycerol

C₃H₈O₃

IUPAC: Propane-1,2,3-triol

CAS: 56-81-5

Overview

Glycerol is a sweet, viscous trihydric alcohol found in all fats and oils. It is a byproduct of soap and biodiesel production.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 8 1.0080
Carbon C 3 12.0110
Oxygen O 3 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×8
8.8%
C
Carbon ×3
39.1%
O
Oxygen ×3
52.1%

Uses

  • • Moisturizer
  • • Food sweetener (E422)
  • • Pharmaceutical solvent
  • • Nitroglycerin precursor

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Glycerol is the backbone of all triglyceride fats in the human body

Structure

SMILES

C(C(CO)O)O

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
92.09 g/mol
Density
1.2610 g/cm³
Melting Point
17.8 °C
Boiling Point
290.0 °C
Solubility
Miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
92.0473
XLogP
-1.8
TPSA
60.7 Ų
H-Bond Donors
3
H-Bond Acceptors
3
Rotatable Bonds
2
Heavy Atoms
6
Complexity
25.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glycerol?
Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Propane-1,2,3-triol.
What is the molecular weight of Glycerol?
Glycerol has a molar mass of 92.09 g/mol.
What state is Glycerol at room temperature?
Glycerol is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Glycerol organic or inorganic?
Glycerol is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Glycerol?
Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).