[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, properties of glycerol

Glycerin Properties

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a transparent, colorless, odorless, sweet sticky liquid, chemical formula C3H8O3. Glycerin is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air and remain liquid at different temperatures and pressures. It has a melting point of 17.8°C, a boiling point of 290°C and a density of about 1.26g/cm³. Glycerol has good solubility in water and alcohol, but is poorly soluble in oils and fats. The molecular structure of glycerol contains three hydroxyl groups (-OH), which makes it highly hydrophilic and highly reactive.

Glycerin use

Glycerol is widely used in various fields because of its unique physical and chemical properties. In cosmetics and personal care products, glycerin is often used as a moisturizer and emollient to help keep the skin hydrated. In the food industry, glycerol is used as a sweetener, thickener and preservative, and is commonly found in confectionery, pastries and beverages. In medicine, glycerin is used in the manufacture of suppositories, syrups and cough medicines. Glycerol is also an important raw material for the production of explosives such as nitroglycerine and has important applications in the production of resins, plastics, lubricants and antifreeze.

Glycerol upstream and downstream raw materials

Upstream raw materials

There are two main routes for glycerol production: biomass sources and chemical synthesis. Biomass sources mainly include hydrolysis or transesterification of animal and vegetable oils, especially in the biodiesel production process, where glycerol is one of the by-products. Vegetable oils such as soybean oil, palm oil and rapeseed oil are common raw materials. The chemical synthesis route is mainly through the chlorination and hydrolysis of propylene to produce glycerol, which can provide higher purity products, but the cost is higher.

Downstream Products

As an intermediate, glycerol is widely used in the production of various downstream products. In the pharmaceutical field, glycerol can be further processed into propylene glycol and glycerol ethers for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. In the field of chemical industry, glycerin can be used to synthesize epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin and so on. In the food industry, glycerol can be used as a sweetener and humectant, used in the production of various types of food. Glycerol is also an important by-product of biodiesel production, and its purity and quality affect the performance and application range of downstream products.

Glycerin storage method

Due to the hygroscopic and chemical stability of glycerin, special attention should be paid to moisture and pollution prevention during storage. Glycerin should be stored in a closed container, avoid contact with air, to prevent absorption of moisture and impurities in the air. The storage environment should be kept cool and dry, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature. Glycerol should be kept away from strong oxidants and acids to prevent chemical reactions. During transportation, glycerin needs to use clean and dry containers, and take leak-proof and explosion-proof measures to ensure transportation safety.

Glycerin Market and Development Prospects

The demand of glycerin market has been growing steadily in recent years, mainly due to the development of biodiesel industry and the increasing demand in cosmetics and medicine. The large amount of glycerol by-product produced in the biodiesel production process provides a rich source of raw materials for the market. The problem of oversupply in the market has also led to large fluctuations in the price of glycerin.

In the future, with the strengthening of environmental regulations and the promotion of renewable energy, the production of biodiesel is expected to further increase, thereby driving the growth of glycerol production. Glycerol has broad application prospects in the fields of new materials, green chemicals and biomedicine, and these emerging applications will become an important growth point of the glycerol market. Research and development of high value-added glycerol downstream products and improving the environmental protection of the production process will be the key direction of the industry's future development.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

As a relatively environmentally friendly chemical product, the environmental protection and safety issues in the production and application of glycerol have also attracted much attention. The production process of glycerol from biomass is relatively environmentally friendly, but it is still necessary to deal with the waste water, waste gas and waste residue in the production process. The process of chemical synthesis of glycerol requires strict control of reaction conditions to reduce the production of by-products and waste. During storage and transportation, the leak-proof and explosion-proof measures of glycerin need to be strictly implemented to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.

Conclusion

Glycerol is an important chemical raw material, with a variety of unique physical and chemical properties, widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics and other fields. With the development of biodiesel industry, the supply of glycerol is increasing, but the market demand is still growing steadily. In the future, the market prospect of glycerin is broad, especially in the field of new materials and green chemicals. The industry should pay attention to environmental protection and safety, develop high value-added products, and improve the environmental protection and economy of the production process to promote the sustainable development of the glycerin industry.