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G2289

Sigma-Aldrich

Glycerol

meets USP testing specifications

Synonym(s):

Glycerol, 1,2,3-Propanetriol, Glycerin

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About This Item

Linear Formula:
HOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH
CAS Number:
Molecular Weight:
92.09
Beilstein:
635685
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12352201
PubChem Substance ID:
NACRES:
NA.21

product name

Glycerin, meets USP testing specifications

biological source

plant (palm)

Quality Level

Agency

USP/NF
meets USP testing specifications

vapor density

3.1 (vs air)

vapor pressure

<1 mmHg ( 20 °C)

Assay

99.0-101.0% anhydrous basis

form

viscous liquid

autoignition temp.

698 °F

technique(s)

cryopreservation: suitable
immunofluorescence: suitable

impurities

<0.01% Ash
<5% water (Karl Fischer)

refractive index

n20/D 1.474 (lit.)

bp

182 °C/20 mmHg (lit.)

mp

20 °C (lit.)

solubility

water: miscible

density

1.25 g/mL (lit.)

application(s)

agriculture
life science and biopharma
pharmaceutical (small molecule)
sample preparation

SMILES string

OCC(O)CO

InChI

1S/C3H8O3/c4-1-3(6)2-5/h3-6H,1-2H2

InChI key

PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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General description

Glycerol, also referred to as glycerin or 1,2,3-propanetriol, is a remarkably versatile compound with its three hydroxyl groups, enabling strong solubility in water and rendering it hygroscopic. This simple but widely accessible substance has multifaceted applications, serving as both a carbon source and a precursor in diverse chemical and biological processes. In the realm of biotechnology, glycerol is an indispensable resource for various microorganisms, allowing them to produce a wide array of bioproducts when used as the sole carbon and energy source. Furthermore, glycerol finds extensive utility in sample preparation, where it enhances sample density and guards against freezing.Glycerol′s significance transcends biotechnology as it excels in sample preparation, such as electrophoresis gel creation. Concentrations of 5% to 10% glycerol are deployed to heighten sample density, ensuring precise layering at the base of the gel. This versatile compound also aids in casting gradient gels and acts as a stabilizer for proteins while playing a pivotal role in storage buffers. It is also a favored choice for enzyme concentration and storage, effectively preventing protein back-diffusion into the buffer. In the context of cell culture, glycerol proves its worth as a cryoprotectant, lowering the freezing point of the culture medium and shielding cells from ice crystal damage during -80°C freezing and storage.Glycerol plays a crucial role in sample preservation and storage in the field of biochemical research. Freezing bacterial cultures alone can have detrimental effects, resulting in dehydration and protein denaturation due to ice crystal formation. By incorporating glycerol, these issues are mitigated, ensuring the effective preservation of bacterial cultures. Storing bacterial cultures in glycerol stocks ensures stability, preventing harm to cell membranes and maintaining cell viability, thus enabling long-term storage. In the context of laboratory research, the preservation of sample integrity is paramount, and glycerol′s role in this process is instrumental, especially when stored in Ultra-low Temperature Freezers at -80°C to maintain sample integrity and ensure their suitability for extensive analysis and research.

Application

Glycerol has been used

  • as a cryoprotectant in the sample medium for research related to plant physiology
  • as an optical clearing agent in a study about harmonic generation microscopy

Features and Benefits

  • Can be used in Metabolomics and Biochemical research
  • High-quality compound suitable for multiple research applications

Other Notes

For additional information on our range of Biochemicals, please complete this form.

Storage Class Code

10 - Combustible liquids

WGK

WGK 1

Flash Point(F)

390.2 °F - Pensky-Martens closed cup

Flash Point(C)

199 °C - Pensky-Martens closed cup

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

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