Trihydric Alcohols
Glycerol or glycerine , CH2OH – CH ( OH ) - CH2OH is the first member of this group . Its IUPAC name is propane-l , 2,3-triol .
Method of Preparation It is obtained as a by product in saponification reaction .
Physical Properties 1 . It is a colourless , odourless , viscous and hygroscopic liquid .
2 . It is sweet in taste and steam volatile . 3 . It is soluble in water but insoluble in ether . 4 . Due to excessive H-bonding , it is highly viscous and has high boiling point .
Chemical Properties
It gives all the general reactions given by -OR group but 2 ° OR is less reactive as compared to 1 °.
Some of its specific reactions are :