Polyglycerol

Name:
Polyglycerol
Detailed information:
One of several mixtures of ethers of glycerol with itself, ranging from diglycerol to triacontaglycerol. Some examples are (1) diglycerol, possibly (CH₂OHCH₂OCH₂)₂, mw 166, a liquid with four —OH groups, viscosity of 287 cs at 65.5C; (2) hexaglycerol, mw 462, a liquid with eight —OH groups, viscosity 1671 cs at 65.5C; (3) decaglycerol, mw 758, a liquid with 12 —OH groups, viscosity 3199 cs.

Properties:

Viscous liquids to solids. Soluble in water, alcohol, and other polar solvents. Act as humectants much like glycerol but have progressively higher molecular weight and boiling point. Combustible.

Derivation:

Glycerol is heated with an alkaline catalyst (200–275C) at normal or reduced pressure. A stream of inert gas may be used to blanket the reaction and help remove the water of reaction.

Use:

Surface-active agents, emulsifiers, plasticizers, adhesives, lubricants, and other compounds used for both edible and industrial applications.