Glycerin

__Glycerin (also known as Glycerol)__

 * Glycerol ** (or ** glycerine **, ** glycerin ** ) is a simple [|polyol] compound. It is a colorless, odorless, [|viscous] liquid that is widely used in [|pharmaceutical formulations] . Glycerol has three [|hydroxyl groups] that are responsible for its [|solubility] in [|water] and its [|hygroscopic] nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all [|lipids] known as [|triglycerides] . Glycerol is sweet-tasting and of low [|toxicity].

In foods and beverages, glycerol serves as a [|humectant], [|solvent] , and [|sweetener] , and may help [|preserve foods]. It is also used as filler in commercially prepared [|low-fat] foods (e.g., [|cookies] ), and as a [|thickening agent] in [|liqueurs]. Glycerol and water are used to preserve certain types of leaves. As a [|sugar substitute], it has approximately 27 [|kilocalories] per [|teaspoon] (sugar has 20) and is 60% as [|sweet] as [|sucrose]. It does not feed the [|bacteria] that form [|plaques] and cause [|dental cavities]. As a [|food additive], glycerol is labeled as [|E number] E422.

Glycerol is also used to manufacture mono- and di- [|glycerides] for use as [|emulsifiers], as well as polyglycerol [|esters] going into [|shortenings] and [|margarine].

It is also used as a [|humectant] (along with [|propylene glycol] labelled as E1520 and/or E422) in the production of [|snus], a Swedish-style [|smokeless tobacco] product.

As used in foods, glycerol is categorized by the [|American Dietetic Association] as a [|carbohydrate]. The U.S. [|Food and Drug Administration] (FDA) carbohydrate designation includes all caloric [|macronutrients] excluding protein and fat. Glycerol has a caloric density similar to table sugar, but a lower [|glycemic index] and different [|metabolic pathway] within the body, so some dietary advocates accept glycerol as a sweetener compatible with [|low carbohydrate diets].

Glycerin, or Glycerine, a syrupy alcohol that is colorless and odorless and has a sweet taste. It is usually called glycerol by chemists. Glycerin dissolves readily in other alcohols and in water, but is insoluble in such common solvents as ether, benzene, and ethyl acetate. Most glycerin is produced as a by-product of the soap industry. The natural fats used as raw material for soap are converted into fatty acids and glycerin by reaction with water in a chemical process called hydrolysis. The glycerin is then purified by distillation with steam. Large quantities of glycerin are also made by the reaction of chlorine and propylene, followed by hydrolysis. Because it absorbs moisture from the air, glycerin is used in drugs, foods, tobaccos, cosmetics, gaskets, papers, and adhesives to prevent them from drying out. Glycerin adds flexibility to certain plastic materials. It is an important ingredient of alkyd resins, used in paints and varnishes. Glycerin is used in manufacturing nitroglycerin, the chief ingredient in dynamite.

Glycerin is a neutral, sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid which freezes to a gummy paste and which has a high boiling point. Glycerin can be dissolved into water or alcohol, but not oils. On the other hand, many things will dissolve into glycerin easier than they do into water or alcohol. So it is a good solvent.
 * What is it?**

Because of this hygroscopic quality, pure, 100 percent glycerin placed on the tongue may raise a blister, since it is dehydrating. Diluted with water, however, it will soften your skin.
 * Interesting Facts:**

-Many beauty products Most commonly made in soap.
 * Common Uses: **




 * ~ Glycerol ||
 * [[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Glycerin_Skelett.svg/200px-Glycerin_Skelett.svg.png width="200" height="74" link="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Glycerin_Skelett.svg"]] ||
 * [[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Glycerol-3D-balls.png/200px-Glycerol-3D-balls.png width="200" height="111" link="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Glycerol-3D-balls.png"]] ||
 * [[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Glycerol-3D-vdW.png/180px-Glycerol-3D-vdW.png width="180" height="120" link="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Glycerol-3D-vdW.png"]] ||
 * Other names:glyceringlycerine ||
 * Other names:glyceringlycerine ||