Product Description
Glycerin is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid trihydric alcohol with the molecular formula C₃H₈O₃ (CAS 56-81-5), supplied at 99.5% weight assay with the balance water. Its three hydroxyl groups make it fully water soluble, strongly hygroscopic, and reactive through conventional alcohol chemistry.
The combination of a 290°C boiling point, very low vapor pressure, and no OSHA hazard classification makes glycerin a practical choice where a high-boiling, low-volatility polyol is needed, functioning as a humectant and viscosity builder, a carrier and solvent, a plasticizer, or a feedstock for esterification, etherification, and polyol synthesis.
- One Feedstock, Many Chemistries: Esterification, etherification, and polyol routes all run from the same drum: humectant, plasticizer, solvent, or intermediate without qualifying a second raw material.
- Non-Hazardous, Non-Regulated: Not hazardous under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (2024); HMIS 0·1·0. Not dangerous goods by DOT, IATA, or IMDG.
- High Boiling, Very Low Volatility: Boils at 290°C (554°F), vapor pressure below 0.0025 mmHg at 50°C, flash point above 199°C (390°F), for minimal evaporative loss in heated systems.
- Humectant with Full Water Miscibility: Strong water affinity holds moisture in finished goods; full water solubility simplifies dilution, blending, and cleanout.
- Readily Biodegradable, Low Toxicity: Readily biodegrades in soil and water with no expected bioaccumulation. No known acute toxicity; not a carcinogen.
Applications
Personal Care & Household
Humectant in lotions, creams, and soaps
Toothpaste and oral care
Hair care
Surfactant and cleaner formulations
Industrial Formulation
Plasticizer for films and coatings
Printing inks
Textile and fiber lubricants
Antifreeze and heat transfer fluids
Cement and concrete grinding aids
Chemical Intermediate
Alkyd and polyester resins
Polyether polyols for polyurethanes
Glycerol esters and mono/diglycerides
Epichlorohydrin and propylene glycol feedstock
Laboratory & Process
Solvent and carrier|
Cryoprotectant and preservative media
Buffer and reagent preparation
Gel electrophoresis and mounting media
Viscosity standard
Paper, Foam & Packaging
Softening and conditioning of paper and cellophane
Flexible foam polyol component
Adhesive and sealant modifier
Benefits
Non-Hazardous & Non-Regulated
High Boiling Point
Very Low Volatility
Full Water Miscibility
Strong Humectant Properties
Readily Biodegradable
Low Toxicity
Reactive Across Alcohol Chemistry
Single Feedstock, Multiple Use Cases
Product Availability
55-Gallon Drums
275-Gallon Totes
Bulk Deliveries
Samples available on request. Contact us for current lead times and volume pricing.
Product Data
| Property | Test Method | Specification |
| Appearance | SDS CG-015-1 | Clear, colorless viscous liquid |
| Odor | SDS CG-015-1 | Slightly musty |
| Chemical Name | IUPAC | Propane-1,2,3-triol |
| CAS Number | SDS CG-015-1 | 56-81-5 |
| Synonyms | SDS CG-015-1 | Glycerol · glycerine · 1,2,3-propanetriol |
| Molecular Formula | N/A | C₃H₈O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | N/A | 92.09 g/mol |
| Assay / Purity | SDS CG-015-1 | 99.5% glycerine (wt) · balance water |
| pH | SDS CG-015-1 | 4.0 – 7.0 |
| Specific Gravity | SDS CG-015-1 | 1.26 |
| Boiling Point | SDS CG-015-1 | 290°C (554°F) |
| Melting / Freezing Point | SDS CG-015-1 | 18°C (64°F) |
| Flash Point | SDS CG-015-1 | >199°C (>390°F) |
| Autoignition Temperature | SDS CG-015-1 | 370°C (698°F) |
| Vapor Pressure @ 50°C | SDS CG-015-1 | < 0.0025 mmHg |
| Water Solubility | SDS CG-015-1 | Soluble |
| Decomposition | SDS CG-015-1 | Decomposes above 290°C, forming acrolein |
| TSCA Status | SDS CG-015-1 | Listed on US EPA TSCA public inventory |
| Transport Classification | SDS CG-015-1 | Not dangerous goods: DOT · IATA · IMDG |