Glycerol

Glycerol (CAS 56-81-5), also known as E422, is a trihydric alcohol derived from natural fats and oils or produced synthetically as a byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing.

Where is Glycerol used?

• Food: humectant that retains moisture in baked goods, confectionery and low-calorie sweetener formulations
• High-purity grades can be added as an emulsifier in processed food formulations.
• Prevents ice crystal formation in frozen foods such as low-fat frozen yogurt, ice cream and other desserts.
• In toothpaste, vegetable glycerol prevents the product from drying out or hardening in the tube.
• Pharmaceuticals: solvent and carrier in oral syrups, topical creams and suppository bases
• Used as an excipient in pharmaceutical products such as syrups, tablets, capsules and suppositories.
• Personal care: humectant in skin creams, serums and hair conditioners
• Industrial: plasticizer and solvent
• In polymer and resin production it acts as a cross-linking agent in alkyd resins and polyurethane systems.

Good to know: Pricerine 9091 is a recognized trade grade for cosmetic and personal care markets. Grades include USP, BP, Ph. Eur. and FCC for regulated applications, alongside technical grade for industrial use.

Typical specification

• Assay (anhydrous basis) specification is 99.0–101.0%.
• Water content is at most 0.20% as determined by Karl Fischer.
• Heavy metals content is at most 5 ppm, expressed as lead.

Regulatory status

• Not regulated for transport under UN regulations.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store in stainless steel or aluminum tanks, closed, at a temperature below 40°C, preferably between 15–30°C.
• Classified as a combustible liquid under storage class 10.

Frequently asked questions about Glycerol

What limits apply to diethylene glycol and heavy metals in glycerol specifications?

Diethylene glycol is limited to not more than 0.1%. Heavy metals are limited to not more than 5 micrograms per gram.

Can glycerol be used in livestock feed?

In livestock, glycerol is used as a feed additive for energy supplementation and against ketosis risk, especially in pregnant and postpartum animals.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.