Glycerin
Glycerin
Glycerin (pronounced: /ˈɡlɪsərɪn/), also known as glycerol (pronounced: /ˈɡlɪsərɒl/), is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic.
Etymology
The word "glycerin" comes from the Greek word "glykys," which means sweet. The chemical suffix "-in" was added later. The term "glycerol" was introduced in 1836 by the French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul.
Uses
Glycerin is used in medical, pharmaceutical and personal care preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication, and as a humectant. It is found in allergen immunotherapies, cough syrups, elixirs and expectorants, among other things.
Related Terms
- Polyol: A type of alcohol containing multiple hydroxyl groups.
- Humectant: Substances that attract moisture from the air or from deeper layers of the skin, increasing the water content in the skin's outer layers.
- Elixir: A sweetened, aromatic solution of alcohol and water, serving as a vehicle for medicinal substances.
- Expectorant: Drugs that increase the amount of mucus secreted by the lungs, thus making it easier to cough up and eliminate.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glycerin
- Wikipedia's article - Glycerin
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