Glycerol

Glycerol has a carbon skeleton of three carbon atoms with three alcohol groups attached to the carbons. At room temperature is has the appearance of a clear lightweight oil and is commonly used under the name glycerin. It is an ingredient of many cosmetics to make them smooth and easy to spread. It is helpful as a moisturizer for the skin.

Replacement of the three hydrogens on the alcohol groups with three fatty acid molecules creates a molecule of a lipid, an important class of molecules for biochemistry.

Index

Biochemical concepts

Chemistry concepts

Reference
Enger & Ross
 
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