Glycerol

1Identification

Name

Glycerol

IUPAC name

propane-1,2,3-triol

CAS number

56-81-5 (also reported: 8013-25-0, 30918-77-5)

EC number

200-289-5

Molecular formula

C3H8O3

Molecular weight

92.09 g/mol

InChIKey

PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(C(CO)O)O

PubChem CID

753

Synonyms

glycerol, glycerin, Glycerine, 1,2,3-Propanetriol, Glycyl alcohol, Trihydroxypropane, Glyceritol, Osmoglyn, 1,2,3-trihydroxypropane, Glyrol, Glysanin, Grocolene, Ophthalgan, Glycerinum

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Glycerin
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as a solvent, humectant, plasticizer, emollient, sweetener, coating for paper, antifreeze for automobiles, and fluid for gas meters, hydraulic jacks, and shock absorber; Also used to make nitroglycerol (dynamite), cosmetics, soaps, liqueurs, confectioneries, inks, lubricants, glues; and medications; Also used to keep fabrics pliable; to preserve printing on cotton; and to defrost windshields; [HSDB; Merck Index]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Flow promoter Diluent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Emulsifier Anti-slip agent Humectant Intermediate Other Lubricating agent Solvent Flavoring and nutrient Anti-freeze agent Abrasives Dust suppressant Fuel agents Processing aids not otherwise specified Solubility enhancer Monomers Tanning agents not otherwise specified Surfactant (surface active agent)
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Cleaning agent Stabilizing agent Soil amendments (fertilizers) Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Diluent Adhesion/cohesion promoter Etching agent Intermediate Softener and conditioner Humectant Solvent Flavoring and nutrient Other Lubricating agent Freeze-thaw additive Processing aids not otherwise specified Surfactant (surface active agent) Monomers Fuel agents
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Solvents · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern · Food additives · Fragrance Ingredients

Description

• Glycerine appears as a colorless to brown colored liquid. Combustible but may require some effort to ignite.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Glycerol is a triol with a structure of propane substituted at positions 1, 2 and 3 by hydroxy groups. It has a role as a geroprotector, an osmolyte, a detergent, a solvent, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is an alditol and a triol.
  ChEBI
• A trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is an intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 2 of the supplier's SDS.

NFPA 704 rating

• 1 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause significant irritation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• No hazard (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• This chemical is combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• No listed effects of short-term or long-term exposure; [ICSC]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water wash - If this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with water. Breathing: Fresh air
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Dry skin.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Diarrhoea.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• irritation eyes, skin, respiratory system; headache, nausea, vomiting; kidney injury
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Water or foam may cause frothing.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Extinguishing methods: Alcohol foam.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• To fight fire, use alcohol foam, CO2, dry chemical.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Ventilation. Collect leaking and spilled liquid in covered containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Wear approved respiratory protection, chemically compatible gloves and protective clothing. Wipe up spillage or collect spillage using a high efficiency vacuum cleaner. Avoid breathing vapor. Place spillage in appropriately labelled container for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Absorb with paper. Evaporate completely all spilt surface. Dispose by burning the paper after complete ventilation of vapor.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Glycerol should preferably be stored at 40 - 60 °C under nitrogen blanketing. It is not corrosive and presents little risk of ignition because of its high flash point. Highly concentrated glycerol does not corrode steel, but storage tanks of carbon steel must be protected by surface coating to prevent rusting by residual moisture. Glycerol is therefore usually stored in tanks of stainless steel or aluminum.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Glycerin oral solution should be stored in tight containers at a temp less than 40 °C, perferably between 15-30 °C; freezing should be avoided. Glycerin ophthalmic soln should be protected from light and stored in tight glass or plastic containers. The ophthalmic soln should be ... discarded 6 mo after the dropper is first placed in the soln.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Glycerin rectal suppositories should preferably be stored at less than 25 °C.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Glycerin (mist): Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body. Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection. Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift). Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Persons engaged in synthesis processes should wear suitable personal protective equipment & eye protective equipment. As with plant used for saponification and hydrolysis high standard of maintenance should be observed.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation are recommended.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use a NIOSH-approved respirator, if it is determined to be necessary by an industrial hygiene survey involving air monitoring.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• Important additional information about respirator selection
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• GLYCERINE is incompatible with strong oxidizers. It is also incompatible with hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, nitric acid + sulfuric acid, perchloric acid + lead oxide, acetic anhydride, aniline + nitrobenzene, Ca(OCl)2, CrO3, F2 + PbO, KMnO4, K2O2, AgClO4 and NaH. A mixture with chlorine explodes if heated to 158-176 °F. It reacts with acetic acid, potassium peroxide, sodium peroxide, hydrochloric acid, (HClO4 + PbO) and Na2O2. Contact with potassium chlorate may be explosive. It also reacts with ethylene oxide, perchloric acid, nitric acid + hydrofluoric acid and phosphorus triiodide. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Hygroscopic. Water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Exothermic interaction of granular /sodium/ hydride with undiluted (viscous) glycerol with inadequate stirring caused charring to occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Can react violently with acetic anhydride, aniline + nitrobenzene, Ca(OCl)2, CrO3, Cr2O3, F2 + PbO, phosphorus triiodide, ethylene oxide + heat, KMnO4, K2O2, AgClO4, Na2O2, NaH. Energetic reaction with sodium hydroxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers (e.g., chromium trioxide, potassium chlorate, potassium permanganate) [Note: Hygroscopic (i.e., absorbs moisture from the air)].
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Mixtures of glycerin with water, ethanol (95%), and propylene glycol are chemically stable. Glycerin may crystallize if stored at low temperatures; the crystals do not melt until warmed to 20 °C.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Target organs

• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, kidneys
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Carcinogen classification

• No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
  Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• Glycerin's production and use in industrial, cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical and domestic products may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Glycerin was reported present in Cork Oak, Quercus suber L. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 1.68X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates glycerin will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase glycerin will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7 hours. Particulate-phase glycerin will be removed from the atmosphere by wet or dry deposition.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• Toxicity threshold (cell multiplication inhibition test) Algae (Microcystis aeruginosa) 2900 mg/l
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxicity threshold (cell multiplication inhibition test) Protozoa (Entosiphon sulcatum) 3200 mg/l
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50; Species: Goldfish; Concentration: >5000 mg/L for 24 hr - modified ASTM D 1345
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Mixture with a more flammable solvent followed by incineration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Glycerol is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues resulting from the use of the following substances as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Glycerin is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Substances migrating to food from paper and paperboard products used in food packaging that are generally recognized as safe for their intended use, within the meaning of section 409 of the Act: Glycerin is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 753 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.