  glycerol oxford dictionary: definition of glycerol (british & world english) (also called glycerine or glycerin; see spelling differences) is a simple polyol (sugar alcohol) compound. it is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. the glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides. glycerol is sweet-tasting and generally considered non-toxic. ==production== approximately 950,000 tons per year are produced in the united states an
Alcohol_solvents Commodity_chemicals Cosmetics_chemicals Demulcents Food_additives Glassforming_liquids_and_melts Household_chemicals Laxatives Polyols