GLYCEROL

• SYSTEMATIC NAME FOR GLYCEROL?

  propane-1,2,3-triol
• WHAT DOES GLYCEROL HAVE?

  three O-H bonds allowing it to readily form hydrogen bonds, so it is very soluble in water
• USES OF GLYCEROL?

  • pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations
  • solvent in medicines (toothpaste)
  • solvent in food industries (colouring)
  • plasticise various materials
  • biodiesel
• WHY IS GLYCEROL USED IN PHARMACEUTICAL AND COSMETIC PREPARATIONS?

  attracts water and therefore prevents creams drying out
• HOW DOES GLYCEROL PLASTICISE MATERIALS?

  introduced between polymer molecules, allowing them to slip over each other making the polymer flexible and smooth
• HOW IS BIODIESEL FORMED?

  oil + methanol -(strong alkali catalyst)-> mixture of methyl esters
• EXAMPLE OF A STRONG ALKALI CATALYST?

  KOH catalyst
• WHERE IS OIL FOR BIODIESEL OBTAINED?

  crops e.g. rapeseed