Glycerol's three hydroxyl groups make it fully miscible with water and give it strong hygroscopic, viscosity-modifying, and cryoprotective properties. In parenteral formulations it is used to adjust tonicity and as a co-solvent for poorly water-soluble drugs; in oral liquids it acts as a sweetening and viscosity agent. Synthetic (petrochemical-derived) glycerol is preferred for injectable use because its manufacturing process avoids the contamination risks associated with some natural/rendered glycerin sources.
Synthetic Glycerol (glycerin) is a clear, colorless, viscous, hygroscopic triol widely used as a solvent, tonicity-adjusting agent, and humectant in injectable and oral pharmaceutical formulations. The injection grade is manufactured synthetically (from propylene) to guarantee freedom from diethylene glycol and other toxic contaminants found in some natural-source glycerin.
| Chemical Name | Glycerol (Glycerin) |
| CAS Number | 56-81-5 |
| IUPAC Name | Propane-1,2,3-triol |
| Molecular Formula | C3H8O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 92.09 g/mol g/mol |
| Boiling Point | 290°C (decomposes) |
| Density | 1.261 g/cm³ at 20°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.473 at 20°C |
| Flash Point | 176°C |
Adjusts osmolality of injectable solutions to isotonic levels, used in IV and IM formulations.
Enhances solubility of lipophilic APIs in injectable and oral liquid formulations.
Protects cells and biologics during freeze-thaw cycles in biologics and vaccine manufacturing.
Functions as a sweetener, viscosity modifier, and humectant in syrups and elixirs.
Clin. Infect. Dis.
Skin Pharmacol. Physiol.
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