Does Glycerin Freeze?

Freezing Point of Pure Glycerin

Pure Glycerin freezes at 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Glycerin solidifies, freezes, at an abnormally high temperature. The freezing point of a substance, such as glycerin, is reached when the substance changes from liquid to solid. Glycerin is also known as glycerol and glycerine.

Chemical Properties

Chemical properties of glycerin

Glycerin, or glycerol, is a form of alcohol known as a polyol, which binds well with water, and changes the properties of other materials added to the resulting aqueous solution. Glycerin has a sweet taste and has a low toxicity level. When glycerin is added to water it lowers water's freezing point and raises the freezing point. Glycerin is a hydrophilic (water loving) substance.

Uses in Health Care and Pharmaceuticals

Glycerin in toothpaste

Glycerin is widely used in food sciences and pharmaceuticals. As an ingredient in toothpaste, glycerin keeps toothpaste from drying out when the cap is not replaced. Glycerin has many uses in cosmetics, such as skin lotions and creams. Glycerin is a vital ingredient in suppositories, medicinal creams and contraceptive gels. Cough syrups and shampoo also use glycerin as a key ingredient.

Glycerin and Food

Glycerin in processed foods

Producers of dried fruits, such as raisins, rely on glycerin to keep their products soft and moist. Glycerin is a humectant, or substance added to another substance to keep it moist, and naturally is sweet. It is added to many bakery products, such as cookies, cakes and brownies, to keep them moist when being stored or when exposed to the open air. Glycerin does not raise the blood sugar level or increase the risk of cavities.

References

• The Engineering Toolbbox
• Science Toys: Glycerine
• Chemical Industry Search Engine

Resources

• Dow Chemical: Freezing Point Table of Glycerin Water Solutions