Glycerol, also known as glycerin, is a chemical with the formula C4H8O3. It is a simple polyol compound that is colorless, odorless, and viscous. Glycerol has many uses including in pharmaceuticals, soaps, explosives, and as a sweetener. It is also used as an embalming fluid and preservative. Glycerol can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory systems in its concentrated form.

1. Glycerol
By: Lindsey Pack

2. About this chemical
Synonyms for
Glycerol:
Methylidinoglycerol,
Sericosol, and
Glincerinformal

3. The
formula
structur
efor
Glycero
Chemical Formula:
C4-H8-O3
Skeletal Formula:

4. Health Risksfor
GlycerolThe Health Risks
for Glycerol are
acute. Glycerol
can irritate the
eyes, throat,
nose, skin, and
respiratory
system.

5. Glycerol &
EmbalmingGlycerol is used in embalming chemicals
along with methanol, formaldehyde and
phenol. It is used as a humectant in the
embalming process. It is also said to be
a preservative.

6. Otheruses
forGlycerolI found that Glycerol is used in several
things. I found that it is used as a
medicine to help with weight loss. It’s
most common use in the past was
automobile antifreeze. It is also used in
the Pharmaceutical field as medicine
and things like soap, vaccines, and
lotions. Glycerol is also used for
explosives and as sweeteners.

7. Interesting Facts
I found it interesting that individuals take it
when they have Glaucoma. It is believed
that the Glycerol helps relieve the pressure
in the eye. Many highly active people such
as athletes also use this chemical as a
medicine to stay highdrated. The chemical
replaces the water that is lost in situations
such as vomiting. Therefore, if you are
active, it will keep you from getting
dehydrated.

8. Works Cited:
Information:
“Glycerol (chemical compound).” Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
Encyclopedia Britannica. 18 July 2013
http://www.britannica.com/Ebchecked/topic/236029/glycerol.
“Glycerol.” WebMD. 18 July 2013 <http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-
suppliments/ingredientmono-4-GLYCEROL.aspx?
acttiveingredientId=4&activeIngredientName=GLYCEROL>.
"Material Safety Data Sheet Glycerol Formal." 18 July 2013
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924168.

9. Works Cited:
Pictures:
“Embalming Fluid.” Embalming Fluid. 18 July 2013
http://www.embalming.net/fluids.htm.
"Google Images." Google Images. 18 July 2013
<http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.chemistry-
reference.com/images/structural/glycerol.png>
"Material Safety Data Sheet Glycerol Formal." 18 July 2013
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924168.

10. Works Cited:
Pictures:
“Embalming Fluid.” Embalming Fluid. 18 July 2013
http://www.embalming.net/fluids.htm.
"Google Images." Google Images. 18 July 2013
<http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.chemistry-
reference.com/images/structural/glycerol.png>
"Material Safety Data Sheet Glycerol Formal." 18 July 2013
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924168.