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The application of 1,2,3-Propanetriol

1,2,3-Propanetriol also called Glycerol; Glycerine; Glyceritol; Glycyl alcohol; Glyrol; Glysanin; Osmoglyn; Propanetriol; Trihydroxypropane; Synthetic glycerin; 90 Technical glycerin; Dagralax; Glycerin, anhydrous; Glycerin, synthetic; Ophthalgan; Synthetic glycerine; Vitrosupos; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane; 90 Technical glycerine; Clyzerin, wasserfrei; Grocolene; MOON; Star; Optim; Bulbold; Cristal; Emery 912; Incorporation factor; Pricerine 9091; Propane-1,2,3-triol; Emery 916; IFP; NSC 9230

1,2,3-Propanetriol is a trihydric alcohol. It is a clear, viscous liquid, with a sweet taste. It has low volatility and high boiling point because the molecules form strong hydrogen bonds. 1,2,3-propanetriol is hygroscopic, which means that it can pick up and give off water. It might absorb vaporous water from the air up to 50 % of its weight. It is completely miscible with water but insoluble in hydrocarbons. The name glycerine refers to the quality that contains more than 95 % glycerol. All animal and vegetable fats are esters of 1,2,3-propanetriol and fatty acids, i.e. triglycerides. 1,2,3-propanetriol is recovered through splitting of fats to fatty acids and 1,2,3-propanetriol. It is a by-product in soap manufacturing. The substance is also formed in the production of rape-oil methyl ester (RME), which is a substitute for diesel oil. Since 1949 it has also been produced commercially by synthesis from propene. Propene is chlorinated and hydrolyzed to 1,2,3-propanetriol. A newer method is to oxidize propene or propylene oxide with oxygen or hydrogen peroxide over a catalyst. The world use of glycerol during 2004 was over 300,000 tonnes. The substance is used in nearly all industrial sectors. The largest single use is in the manufacture of alkyd resins used in e.g. paints. In food industry the substance is used as a solvent, moistening agent and an ingredient in syrups among other things. It also retards crystallization of sugar. In drugs and medicine glycerol or its derivatives are used as an ingredient of many mixtures. In cosmetics 1,2,3-propanetriol is used to keep the skin soft and replace skin moisture. In tobacco processing the substance is sprayed on the tobacco leaves before they are shredded and packed. It helps to retain the moisture and influences the burning rate of the tobacco. The many OH-groups of 1,2,3-propanetriol is used to crosslink the polymer chains in production of flexible polyurethane foams. This use is increasing. 1,2,3-Propanetriol is used as lubricant in production of food, drugs and cosmetics as well as for lubricating pumps and bearings exposed to gasoline and benzene. Such fluids would dissolve oil-type lubricants. Another use is for the production of explosives, nitroglycerine. In Sweden pure 1,2,3-propanetriol is mainly used in food production and in hygienic and cosmetic products. It is also a part of many lubricants, de-icing agents and is used as heat transmission

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agent. It is an approved food additive with the denotation E422. 1,2,3-propanetriol is obtained as a by-product in the soap industry prepared by saponification of oils and fats. It is a colourless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid. It is miscible with water and is sweet in taste. It is used in the manufacture of: a) a polyster called glyptal and b) glyceryl trinitrate. 1,2,3-propanetriol is also used in medicines, cosmetics and in textile processing.