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Glycerol facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Glycerol (or glycerin, glycerine) is a simple organic molecule. It is a colorless, odorless, thick liquid that is widely used during the last step of preparing prescription drugs. Glycerol has three hydrophilic (water-loving) hydroxyl (oxygen-hydrogen) groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature (which means it attracts water from the air). The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides. It is used is in making nitroglycerin.

Images for kids

  • Gleitmittel Personal Lubricants

    Personal lubricants commonly contain glycerol

  • Dollop of hair gel

    Glycerol is an ingredient in products such as hair gel

  • Glycerin suppositories

    Glycerol suppositories used as laxatives

  • E-Cigarette-Electronic Cigarette-E-Cigs-E-Liquid-Vaping-Cloud Chasing (16348040092)

    Glycerin is often used in electronic cigarettes to create the vapor

See also

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