glycerol
/'glisərɔl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A sweet, syrupy, trihydroxy alcohol: A clear, thick, sweet-tasting liquid obtained as a byproduct in the process of making soap from fats and oils (saponification) or produced synthetically. It is a type of alcohol with three hydroxyl (-OH) groups.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Glycerol is a common ingredient in many skincare products due to its moisturizing properties.
- The chemical formula for glycerol is C₃H₈O₃.
- In the lab, we separated glycerol from the soap mixture.
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Industrial Context: Glycerol is a crucial substance in various industries.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used as a solvent, sweetener, and humectant in medicines and cough syrups.
- Example: The cough syrup contains glycerol to improve its texture and taste.
- Food Industry: Functions as a sweetener, humectant (to retain moisture), and thickening agent.
- Example: Glycerol helps keep baked goods soft and moist.
- Explosives: A key component in the manufacture of nitroglycerin.
- Example: Nitroglycerin is produced by nitrating glycerol.
Variants and Related Words
- Glycerin / Glycerine (n): These are common commercial and everyday terms for glycerol. "Glycerin" often refers to the purified form used in products.
- Example: Look for glycerin in the list of ingredients on your lotion bottle.
- Glyceride (n): An ester formed from glycerol and fatty acids; fats and oils are triglycerides.
- Example: A triglyceride is composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid chains.
Synonyms
- Glycerin: The most direct synonym, especially in commercial and non-technical contexts.
- 1,2,3-Propanetriol: The systematic IUPAC chemical name.
Related Phrases / Compounds
- Glycerol kinase: An enzyme that phosphorylates glycerol.
- Glycerol ester: A compound formed when glycerol reacts with an acid.
Noun
- a sweet syrupy trihydroxy alcohol obtained by saponification of fats and oils