What is vegetable glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is an organic compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen with the chemical formula C 3 h _{8 o 3 . It is produced industrially, usually as a by -product of soap production, oil and fat. It can be made of animal fat or, in the case of vegetable glycerin, vegetable oil. The source of the raw material does not affect the finite product chemistry, but because glycerin is widely used in food and medicines, this resolution is important for vegetarians. It is also used as a sweetener and as a component in a number of cosmetic products.}

The compound consists of a chain of three carbon atoms, which on one side attached hydrogen atoms on one side and hydroxyl (OH) on the other side. Three OH groups create hydrogen bonds between molecules, giving the compound a viscosity similar to syrup and allowing it to be easily dissolved in water. Chemically speaking, glycerin is alcohol, but for food purposes are classified - in the US - like a federal food administration and food carbohydrate andDrugs (FDA) because it provides calories and is not fat or protein.

pure glycerol does not crystallize easily, but it can be cooled to create a solid that is melted at about 64.4 ° F (18 ° C). However, this reduces frost water points by the amount that depends on concentration. For example, 66.7% solution freezes at -51 ° F (-46.1 ° C). For this reason, it can be used as a non -toxic antifreeze and for storing sensitive liquids, such as enzymes, in laboratory freezers.

production

Glycerol forms the "spine" of many lipids or oils and fats, and there are various processes that can be used to extraction from these substances. Most glycerin is made as a by -product of soap production. In this process, whether to use animal fats or vegetables. It is heated by strong alkalia, usually caustic sodium (sodium hydroxide) that produces soap and glycerin solution in water. This solution is then purifby distillation.

vegetable glycerin can also be made directly from vegetable oil - often coconut or palm oil - by heating to a high temperature under water pressure. The glycerin spine is divided from fatty acids and is absorbed by water, from which it is then isolated and distilled to obtain a clean product. Glycerin with food is 99.7% clean, the remaining 0.3% is water.

Interest in biodiesel fuel led to the production of a large amount of low quality vegetable glycerin as a by -product. Liquid cleaning is not considered economically viable and can not be disposed of because it contains toxic methanol, which is used in the production process. Since 2013, there has been many research into finding use for Thje substance - something that does not require high purity glycerin. One promising option is to use it as a predecessor in the production of some useful plastics.

Main use

glycerin is widely used in the food industryFor two main reasons: it has a sweet taste, but has fewer calories than sugar; And it is hygroscopic, that is, it absorbs moisture from the air. Therefore, it is used to weaken food and maintain it is wet. The compound is metabolized more slowly than sucrose - the type of sugar most common in confectionery and processed foods - and therefore does not have such a dramatic effect on blood sugar. It also does not contribute to bacterial caries. Foods on the market as low carbohydrate content are often sweetened with glycerin.

Another main application is in the cosmetics industry. Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, it is used in many moisturizing skin products because it seems to help alleviate dry skin by drawing WAZ lower layers. It is also part of glycerin soap that people with sensitive skin often use. Facial waters containing this compound are also popular.

vegetable glycerin can be used as a substitute for ethanol - chemicals commonly calledLeading "alcohol" - in the production of botanical extracts such as herbal essences. It acts as a solvent that dissolves the interest of the interest of raw plant material. The advantage is that people who do not want to be exposed to alcohol can still have access to botanical products. The disadvantage is that the resulting products have a much shorter life.

There is also medical use for vegetable glycerin. It is a common component in a mixture of coughs due to its soothing properties. Other applications are like a current remedy for a series of skin problems, including psoriasis, rashes, burns, beds and cuts; as a laxative in the form of suppositories; And treat gum disease because the inactivates associated bacterial colonies.