IDENTIFICATION

Glycerol formal is a mixture of 5-hydroxy-1,3-dioxane (1) and 4-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane (2) (approximately 60/40)

(1)

(2)

Molecular formula : C₄H₈O₃
Molecular weight : 104.10

Identifiers

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CAS n° : 4740-78-7 Einecs N° : EEC 79/831

Synonyms :

Methylidinoglycerol Glycerin formal Sericosol N.

Synonyms of 5-hydroxy-1,3-dioxane :

1,3-dioxan-5-ol a,a'-methylene glycerin a,a'-formaldehyde glycerol 5-m-dioxanol

Synonyms of 4-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane :

1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol a,b-methylene glycerin a,b-formaldehyde glycerol 4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-dioxolane

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Description : colourless liquid

Boiling point :

191-195°C (760 mm Hg) 95 - 97°C (20 mm Hg)

Density (d₄²⁰) : 1.215
Flash point : 76°C (170°F)
Refractory index h_D²⁰ : 1.451
pH of a 10 % solution : 4 - 6.5 Physical properties of 5-hydroxy-1,3-dioxane (1)

Boiling point : 193.8°C
Density (d₄²⁵) : 1.2200
Refractory index h_D²⁵ : 1.4527

Physical properties of 4-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane (2)

Boiling point : 192.5°C
Density (d₄²⁵) : 1.2008
Refractory index h_D²⁵ : 1.4469

Misicibility

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No solubility limit in ether, acetone, essential oils, alcohols and water.
Glycerol is a very good polar solvent.

Solubility parameters :

With Kauri gum type :

4939	4938
74.4	72.9

Fully miscible with water.
Can have emulsifying effects (cosmetology).

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Glycerol formal is an acetal and presents the properties of this family of products.

Product stability

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Acids and bases

Glycerol formal is very stable under both acid and base conditions (minimal pH 2.8).
It is inert toward solubilized products.

Peroxides

The peroxide content is very low, and stable over 36 months.

APPLICATIONS

1. Pharmaceutical industry

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1.1. Solvent for various injectable preparations

• antiparasite veterinary pharmaceuticals
• solvent for sulphomethoxazal (intra-muscular injections)
• solvent for other sulphonamide preparations
• solvent for tetracycline-based products
• solubilization of some alcoloïds

1.2. Orally administrable pharmaceuticals (methox. Salem)

2. Casting industry

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Glycerol formal is used as a solvent for binder to produce foundry core in various casting processes.

• cold box (essentially)
• nucleous made from silica and PU resins
• epoxy - SO₂

3. Household

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• insecticide preparations
• glycerol formal used as synergist with piperonyl butoxide in pyrethrum-based
• insecticide preparations
• slowly evaporating solvent in electrically heated insecticide delivery systems

4. Printing inks industry

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The water miscibility of glycerol formal makes its use interesting for water-based ink formulations, as well as for the glycerol formal acrylates.

5. Paints

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Coalescence improver for water dispersion of acrylic and PVA paints sampled with frost resistence agent.

Glycerol formal can also be used as plastifying agent. It can also increase the "freeze" and water resisitance of systems containing latex butadiene-styrene.

SPECIFICATIONS

	Technical grade	Ultra pure grade (*)
Glycerol formal	98 % min.	99 % min.
Water content	0.5 % max.	0.5 % max.
Formaldehyde	0.05 % max.	0.02 % max.
pH 10 % in water	/	4.0 - 6.5
Density 20C (68F)	/	±1210 kg/m3
Appearance of solution	/	Clear liquid

*Glycerol formal can be stabilized, upon request, with one or several
 of the following stabilizers :
 • n-propylgallateo EDTA DiNa salto thiodiproponic
   acido 2,6-diterbutyl-p-cresol (BHT)

HEALTH & SAFETY

Toxicology

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	References
LD50 in rats : 8.6 ml/kg orally 3.5 ml/kg by intravenous injection 9500 mg/kg by intravenous injection	- - apfrad 44.293.86
LD50 in mice : 8 mg/kg orally 7500 mg/kg by intravenous injection	apfrad 44.293.86 apfrad 44.293.86

First Aid

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• In case of contact with eyes, rinse them abundantly with water for at least 15 minutes.
• In case of contact with skin, wash it immediately with soap and plenty of water.
• In case of inhalation, bring the person into fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. In case of respiratory collapse, give mouth to mouth resuscitation.
• In case of ingestion, rinse mouth with water (only if the person is conscious). Call a doctor.
• Clean contaminated clothing before reuse.

(1) Ref: SIGMA-ALDRICH CORPORATION, U.S.A.,Safety data sheet
Advice in case of fire and explosion

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Extinction Tools

• Water hose
• Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam.

Specific Procedure Against Fire

• Wear an independent respirator and protection clothing to avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Follow the procedures prescribed for liquid fuel products.

Specific Danger in Case of Fire Releases toxic fumes in case of combustion (carbon monoxide and dioxide).
(2) Réf: SIGMA-ALDRICH CORPORATION, U.S.A., Safety data sheet Incompatibilities

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• Strong oxidants
• Protect from humidity

Procedures in case of spill or leakage

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Measures applicable if the product has been spilled or has leaked

Wear a respirator, safety glasses, rubber boots and resistant rubber gloves.
Cover with dry lime or soda powder, collect, keep in a closed container and keep for authorized disposal.
Ventilate the room and clean the place after everything has been collected.

Destruction of Residues

This product can be burned in a chemical incinerator equipped with a post-combustion device and a scrubber.

HANDLING - STORAGE - TRANSPORT

Handling

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• Safety glasses
• NIOSH and NSHA-approved respirator
• Appropriate gloves
• Safety shower and eyewash station
• Do not inhale dust
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing
• Wash scrupulously after manipulation
• Keep the container closed
• Hygroscopic

Storage

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• Recommended storage : at room temperature and in a dry place.

Transport

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The transport of Glycerol formal is not regulated.