Glycerin - what is it? Composition of glycerol. Application in medicine

In many industries, glycerol is widely used. What is it and what are the main properties of this substance? Glycerin was first obtained by the Swedish chemist K. Scheele at the end of the eighteenth century. Since then, due to its properties, it is used both in medicine, and in cosmetology, and even in the food industry.

Glycerin - what is it? Basic physical properties

This colorless liquid is a triatomic alcohol. Glycerin can also be in the form of crystals that melt at a low temperature (17 ° C). The boiling point is about 290 ° C. Glycerol is easily mixed with alcohol, water, and is also a good solvent for many compounds (both organic and inorganic). The main physical properties are hygroscopicity, absence of odor, color. It is worth noting that this is not a toxic substance, and therefore safe for human health. However, there is also a name such as glycerol (as is denoted in English by non-natural glycerin). What it is? This substance is not derived from natural fats. In the Russian language the division into glycerin and glycerol is absent.

How to get glycerin

The first sample of glycerin was obtained by heating lead oxide and olive oil. As a result of chemical reactions, a sweet solution was obtained. After evaporating it, Scheele received a heavy viscous substance. In the early nineteenth century, glycerin was also extracted industrially (saponification of fats with hydroxides). A little later, another method for the production of glycerin was developed. A certain amount of water was added to the fats. Then this mixture was heated. At the same time, the mixture was decomposed into fatty acids and directly glycerin. It took the whole process about 12 hours. The composition of glycerin was as follows: atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. That is, the composition of the molecule includes three hydroxyl groups (CH ₂ OH-CHOH-CH ₂ OH). This method is widely used in Russia. But there are several ways to get the substance. One of them is the distillation of glycerin along with the steam. Thus, distilled glycerin can be obtained. What it is? It is a purified material that is well suited for internal use (for example, in medicine or the food industry). Emulsifiers, such as sulfonaphthic acids, are also used for production.

Application of glycerin in cosmetology

In cosmetology, a substance such as glycerol is widely used. The price (from 10 rubles) allows you to apply it massively, while cosmetic products will still be available. Its main feature is the ability to adsorb moisture from the environment. He, like a sponge, absorbs molecules of water from the air and saturates her skin. Glycerin is a part of many creams for the face, body, hands. There are also many recipes for natural masks and other products based on this substance, which can be prepared at home. However, it is worth remembering that excessively dry air (for example, in the heating season, in summer) contributes to the fact that glycerin creates a film on the surface of the epidermis. As a consequence, moisture is absorbed no longer from the atmosphere, but from the deep layers of our skin. Accordingly, it becomes drier, irritation may appear. Cosmetics should contain no more than 7% of glycerin. Only in this case it will give the desired effect.

Pharmacological glycerol. What it is? Application of this substance in medicine

First of all, in order to use glycerol in medical preparations, it must be thoroughly cleaned of all kinds of impurities. In its pure form, this substance has good antiseptic properties. It can be found in the composition of various ointments from skin problems, while glycerin also contributes to the healing of wounds. Also, thanks to its ability to absorb and retain moisture, it is added to various tablets. It also gives the characteristic viscosity of syrups, ointments, pastes. It is worth noting that glycerol allows you to create more concentrated products (when replacing water with this substance). Glycerin in the pharmacy can also be found as rectal suppositories. They are excellent for constipation, stimulate peristalsis of the intestine. There are also recipes of folk medicine, based on the use of glycerin.

Folk recipes with the use of glycerol

Many people know the cough remedy based on honey, lemon juice and glycerin. To do this, you need to thoroughly wash the lemon, boil it in slowly boiling water for about 10 minutes. Then juice is squeezed out of the lemon, glycerin is added. The price of glycerin for internal use will be slightly higher (from 50 rubles). Then honey is added to the mixture. It takes a medicine on a teaspoon 3-4 times a day.

Also glycerin will help in the fight against cracks on the heels. To do this, it should be added a small amount of vinegar and lubricate the resulting composition of the heel before going to bed. You can apply the mixture and as masks. Keep them on their feet for several hours to achieve the maximum result.

There is also a prescription for pain in the joints. It is necessary to mix in equal quantities ammonia, iodine, honey and glycerin. Reviews about this tool are excellent. Ointment works well even with injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

Glycerin and food

In the modern food industry, glycerin can be found in virtually every confectionery product. Creams, sweets, chocolate, buns - that's far from a complete list of foods that can contain food glycerine. Also it can be found in flour products. Thanks to the use of this substance, bread can not stale for a longer time, when baking, its volume increases, and pasta becomes less sticky. Another area of application is the alcohol industry. Glycerin is a part of almost all liquors. Also it can be found in soft drinks.

Other applications

The glycerol solution has a variety of applications. It is used in agriculture for seed treatment. Preparations that have this substance, perfectly protect the bark of trees from pests and bad weather. Also glycerin is used in military affairs, in the transport industry (it is introduced into antifreeze and brake fluids). When the substance is added to tobacco, the moisture of the latter is regulated, its taste softens. It is also used in the manufacture of liquid for electronic cigarettes. Consumer testimonials say that glycerin is indispensable in everyday life. With its help, you can luster the laminate, remove stains from berries, tea, coffee, cleanse the leather products and give them the original shine.