E422 Colorless Odorless Viscous Liquid Glycerol Glycerin Emulsifier

Emulsifier E422, also known as glycerol or glycerin, is a commonly used food additive with emulsifying properties. Here's a description, specification, and application of E422:

Description:

Glycerol, or glycerin, is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid. It has a sweet taste and is soluble in both water and alcohol. Glycerol is a trihydroxy alcohol, meaning it has three hydroxyl groups (-OH) in its molecular structure. This structure gives it its emulsifying properties, allowing it to mix and stabilize oil and water-based substances.

SPECIFICATION:

Technical data:

• Chemical Name: Glycerol
• Common Name: Emulsifier E422
• E Number: E422
• Function: Humectant, solvent, sweetener, thickening agent
• Molecular Formula: C3H8O3
• Molecular Weight: Approximately 92.09 g/mol
• Appearance: Clear, colorless, viscous liquid
• Taste: Sweet
• Odor: Odorless
• Solubility: Glycerol is highly soluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents.
• Density: 1.26 g/cm³ at 20 °C (68 °F)
• Boiling Point: 290 °C (554 °F)
• Melting Point: 17.8 °C (64 °F)
• pH: Neutral (approximately 7)
• Refractive Index: 1.473 at 20 °C (68 °F)
• Flash Point: 160 °C (320 °F) (closed cup)
• Safety: Glycerol is generally recognized as safe for consumption and has a long history of use in food and Chemical applications. It is considered non-toxic.

Application:

E422 (glycerol) has a wide range of applications in various industries, particularly in the food and Chemical sectors. Here are some common applications of E422:

1. Food Industry: Glycerol is used as an emulsifier, humectant, and sweetener in numerous food products. It helps to stabilize emulsions, prevent crystallization, and maintain moisture content. It is commonly found in baked goods, dairy products, confectionery, beverages, and processed foods.

2. Chemical: Glycerol is utilized in Chemical formulations as a solvent, humectant, and lubricant. It is commonly found in oral syrups, cough medicines, and topical preparations such as creams, ointments, and suppositories.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Glycerol is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products due to its moisturizing properties. It helps in retaining moisture, improving the texture, and enhancing the stability of various products, including lotions, creams, soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste.

4. Tobacco Industry: Glycerol is used in the tobacco industry to help maintain moisture in tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, preventing them from drying out.

5. Industrial Applications: Glycerol finds application in various industrial processes. It is used as a solvent, antifreeze agent, and component in the production of various materials, such as resins, plastics, paints, and inks.