Chemical laboratory

Glycerin

Pharmaceutical-Grade Humectant and Chemical Intermediate

  • CAS 56-81-5
  • Formula C₃H₈O₃
  • Flash Pt 177 °C
  • Density 1.261 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 290 °C °C
Flash point 177 °C °C
Density 1.261 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Miscible with water -
Ph 5.5 - 8.0 (10% solution) -
Molecular weight 92.09 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 17.8 °C °C
Vapor pressure 0.00016 mmHg at 25°C mmHg
Autoignition temp 370 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless, viscous liquid -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density 3.17 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Glycerin (CAS 56-81-5) is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid with the molecular formula C₃H₈O₃. This versatile triol compound is completely miscible with water and exhibits excellent hygroscopic properties, making it invaluable across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. With a molecular weight of 92.09 g/mol and a density of 1.261 g/cm³, glycerin serves as both a functional ingredient and chemical building block in numerous manufacturing processes.

Key Applications

Glycerin's unique properties make it essential in diverse industries. As a pharmaceutical excipient, it functions as a solvent, preservative, and sweetening agent in liquid medications, suppositories, and capsules. In cosmetic formulations, glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment to keep skin hydrated and preventing product crystallization. The chemical also serves as an effective plasticizer in polymer manufacturing, improving flexibility and workability of materials, and as an antifreeze component in automotive and industrial cooling systems due to its low freezing point of 17.8°C.

Safety & Handling

Glycerin presents minimal safety hazards under normal handling conditions. With a flash point of 177°C and autoignition temperature of 370°C, it is considered relatively safe from fire hazards during typical operations. However, proper personal protective equipment including safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves should be worn when handling. Adequate ventilation is recommended to prevent vapor accumulation, though glycerin's extremely low vapor pressure (0.00016 mmHg at 25°C) minimizes inhalation risks. The pH range of 5.5-8.0 in 10% solution indicates mild acidity to neutrality.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store glycerin in tightly sealed containers made of stainless steel, polyethylene, or glass to prevent contamination and moisture absorption. Maintain storage temperatures between 15-30°C in a dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and incompatible materials. Glycerin is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from air, potentially affecting concentration. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and metals such as aluminum and zinc. When stored properly, glycerin maintains stability for extended periods with minimal degradation.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers high-quality Glycerin with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance and quality assurance for your applications.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is glycerin (CAS 56-81-5) and what is it used for?
Glycerin (glycerol), C3H8O3, CAS 56-81-5, is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used as a chemical intermediate and solvent. Typical industrial and laboratory uses include formulation of personal-care products, polymer and resin production, lubricants, antifreeze blends, and general reagent applications.
How should glycerin be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store glycerin in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers and heat sources; keep packaging sealed to avoid moisture uptake. Under proper storage conditions shelf life is typically 12–36 months depending on grade and water content; consult the supplier for specific shelf-life guarantees.
What are the key safety and handling precautions for glycerin?
Glycerin is low in acute toxicity but is hygroscopic and can create slip hazards; avoid inhalation of mists and contact with eyes and skin. Use standard PPE (gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing), keep away from strong oxidizers (do not mix with nitric acid or other nitrating agents), and follow the product SDS for first-aid and spill-response procedures.
How do different concentrations or grades of glycerin affect its properties?
Higher-purity (≥99%) glycerin has higher viscosity, refractive index, and freezing point than aqueous grades; water content strongly affects viscosity, density and freezing behavior. Select grades (technical, USP/BP, aqueous blends) based on required physical properties and regulatory needs for the application.
What documentation is available for glycerin when I buy it?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing purity and water content, and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS). Additional documents such as quality certificates, MSDS translations, or regulatory compliance letters can be supplied on request.
How is glycerin shipped and what common packaging options are available?
Glycerin is commonly shipped in drums (25–220 kg), IBCs (≈1000 kg), and bulk tankers for large volumes; sample sizes are also available. Transport classification depends on concentration and local regulation—many formulations are non-hazardous for transport but always verify with the carrier and provide the SDS.
Which materials are compatible with glycerin and which should be avoided?
Glycerin is compatible with stainless steels (304/316), carbon steel, glass, HDPE and polypropylene under normal conditions. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and nitrating acids (dangerous reactions), and assess elastomers and coatings for long-term swelling or softening in your system.
What are the key technical specifications I should check when selecting glycerin?
Relevant specs include CAS 56-81-5, formula C3H8O3, assay/purity (%), water content (%), density (≈1.261 g/cm³ at 20 °C), refractive index (≈1.473 at 20 °C), viscosity (~1410 mPa·s at 20 °C), melting point (≈17.8 °C) and pH. Ask the supplier for a COA to confirm these values for the exact batch.
What industries and applications commonly use industrial- or lab-grade glycerin?
Glycerin is used across chemical manufacturing, personal-care and cosmetics formulations, polymer and resin processing, lubrication and antifreeze formulations, and research laboratories as a reagent or solvent. It also serves as a raw material for esters and other industrial intermediates.
How can I purchase glycerin and what should I expect for availability and lead times?
Glycerin is widely available from chemical distributors in multiple grades (technical, USP/BP, industrial) and in quantities from liters to metric tons; many suppliers offer samples and bulk contracts. Lead times and minimum order quantities vary by grade and region, so request a quotation that includes price, packaging options, and delivery schedule.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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