GLYCEROL

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Basic information

  • Chemical formula(s): \({\rm C_3H_8O_3}\) (\({\rm CH_2OH-CHOH-CH_2OH}\))
  • Other names: Glycerine, glycerin, 1,2,3-propanetriol
  • CAS number: 56-81-5
  • EC number: 200-289-5
  • Molecular weight: 92.1 g/mol
  • International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): 0624
  • Flammability: yes (combustible, flash point 176°C)
  • Description: Hygroscopic viscous colorless liquid. Miscible with water. Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food ingredient and pharmaceutical excipient.

NFPA 704 (fire diamond)

  • Health (blue): 1 - poses no health hazard, requires no precautions, and would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials.
  • Flammability (red): 1 - must be pre-heated before ignition can occur (flash point 176°C).
  • Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
  • Special notice (white): -

Hazard statements

Glycerol is not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations. However, as a combustible liquid, certain precautions apply:

Code Phrase
- No hazard statements assigned (not classified as hazardous)

Precautionary statements

Despite not being classified as hazardous, the following precautionary measures apply for combustible liquids:

Code Phrase
P210 keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces - no smoking
P280 wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P370+P378 in case of fire: use water spray, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide for extinction
P403+P235 store in a well-ventilated place, keep cool

Protective measures

Gloves

For routine handling of glycerol:

  • Any standard laboratory gloves: very good - glycerol is non-toxic and non-irritating.
  • Nitrile: very good - prevents skin defatting and provides good grip.
  • Natural latex or rubber: very good - adequate for normal handling.
  • PVC: good - suitable for handling viscous liquids.
  • Vinyl: good - adequate for food-grade applications.

Safety goggles

  • Standard safety glasses recommended when handling to prevent eye contact.
  • Not required for small quantities but good laboratory practice.
  • Corrective glasses are not considered safety goggles.
  • Eye protection particularly important due to viscous nature.

Clothing

  • Standard laboratory clothing is sufficient.
  • Long sleeves recommended to prevent prolonged skin contact.
  • Closed-toe shoes required as standard laboratory safety.
  • Hygroscopic material - may cause skin dryness with prolonged contact.

Respiratory protection

  • Generally not required under normal use conditions.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation when heating (produces acrolein fumes).
  • Use appropriate ventilation when handling large quantities.
  • Important: Heating above 176°C requires fume hood due to acrolein formation.

Spill management

  • Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping hazard (viscous liquid).
  • Absorb with inert material or mop up with water.
  • Fire prevention: Eliminate ignition sources during cleanup.
  • Wash area with water to remove residual glycerol.
  • Slippery when wet - use caution on wet surfaces.
  • No special disposal requirements - can be disposed with water or as non-hazardous waste.
  • Biodegradable and environmentally safe.

Special warnings

  • Hygroscopic - absorbs moisture from air, may dilute over time if container not sealed.
  • Combustible liquid - flash point 176°C, auto-ignition temperature 393°C.
  • Heating hazard - produces toxic acrolein fumes when heated above decomposition temperature.
  • Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) - approved food ingredient and pharmaceutical excipient.
  • Skin drying - prolonged contact may cause dry skin due to hygroscopic properties.
  • Laxative effect - ingestion of large quantities may cause diarrhea.
  • Store in tightly closed containers to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Incompatible with strong oxidants - may cause fire and explosion risk.
  • Keep away from heat sources when stored.
  • Slippery - clean up spills immediately to prevent falls.
  • Explosive limits in air: 2.6-11.3 vol% (when heated to form vapor).