Glycerine is the common name for an organic compound known scientifically as glycerol. It's an essential component in many lipids, which is a collective term for fats, waxes and sterols. The primary biological function of glycerine is the storage of energy. Glycerine also has many practical applications, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Structure
A glycerine molecule is an open-ended chain of three carbon atoms. Each carbon atom attaches to an OH- ion, also known as a hydroxyl group. This leaves the glycerine molecule with five available bonds, which are filled with hydrogen atoms. The molecular formula for glycerine is C3H5(OH)3.
Properties
The melting point of glycerine is 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's just barely a liquid at room temperature. Glycerine is a clear, thick liquid with no odor but a sweet taste. It's highly soluble in water and is also hydroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water readily. Water has a density of 1g per cubic centimeter, so glycerin is slightly denser than water with a density of 1.3g per cubic centimeter.
Manufacture
A variety of methods exist for making glycerine, but the simplest of these involves extracting the glycerin from animal fats in a process known as saponification. This process uses a strong alkaline substance such as lye to make soap from animal fat. Glycerine is one of the byproducts of saponification. Commercial soap manufacturers commonly purify the glycerin they extract during saponification and sell it separately.
Metabolism
Your body uses glycerine to synthesize triglycerides, which are the building blocks for fat. Fat is the primary means of storing chemical energy in animals and will release glycerol back into the bloodstream when the fat breaks down. The liver of some organisms can also convert glycerol into glucose, a simple sugar.
Applications
Glycerine is a common ingredient in food. It prevents foods from drying out and can serve as a thickener in liqueurs and low-fat foods. Glycerine has the same number of calories as sugar, but it takes longer to metabolize, resulting in a lower blood sugar "spike" than sugar. Glycerine is also a precursor for nitroglycerin, which is an explosive and heart medication.
Member Comments