Diglycerol is a multifunctional polyhydric alcohol obtained by the controlled etherification of glycerol, resulting in a higher-molecular-weight, water-soluble polyol.

Diglycerol's multiple hydroxyl groups give diglycerol strong hygroscopic behavior, enabling efficient moisture binding, improved formulation stability, and reduced tackiness compared to glycerol.

Because of its low volatility, chemical stability, and excellent tolerability, diglycerol is extensively used as a humectant, solvent, and intermediate in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food systems, and specialty chemical applications.

CAS Number: 25395-31-7

EC Number: 246-992-0

Molecular Formula: C6H14O5

Molecular Weight: ~166.17 g/mol

Synonyms: 3-glyceryloxypropane-1,2-diol, 3YC120743U, Glycerol dimer, RESASSOL DN, DIGLYCERIN 801, GREAT OIL DI 1, RefChem:1083566, Beautyturess 80gTanning Cream, DTXSID10891325, Beautyturess 80g Shiny Tanning Cream, 261-605-5, OXYBISPROPANEDIOL, Tetrahydroxydipropyl Ether, 1, 3,3'-oxybis-, 1, 3,3'-oxydi-, Diglycerol (isomers mixture), SCHEMBL30754, 4-Oxaheptane-1,6,7-tetrol, 3,3'-oxydipropane-1,2-diol, 3,3'-Oxydi-1,2-propanediol, SCHEMBL11478187, UNII-3YC120743U, GPLRAVKSCUXZTP-UHFFFAOYSA-, DTXSID90872273, CHEBI:140430, DIGLYCERIN, ALPHA,ALPHA'-, bis-(2,3-dihydroxy-propyl)-ether, NSC 8689, 627-82-7, Diglycerine, alpha,alpha'-Diglycerol, 1,2-Propanediol, 3,3'-oxybis-, 3,3'-Oxybis(propane-1,2-diol), .alpha.,.alpha.'-Diglycerol, 4-Oxaheptane-1,2,6,7-tetrol, MFCD00049316, UC0A740LR3, 3,3'-Oxydi(propane-1,2-diol), NSC-8689, glyceryl ether, UNII-UC0A740LR3, diglyceryl ether, 3,3'-Oxydi(propylene glycol), 3,2-propanediol, NSC8689, 1,2-Propanediol, 3,3'-oxydi-, Oxydi(propanediol), 3,3'-Oxydi-1,2-propanediol; 4-Oxaheptane-1,2,6,7-tetrol; Bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) Ether; NSC 8689, EINECS 211-013-8

Diglycerol is a colorless, odorless, viscous, water-soluble polyol formed by the condensation of two glycerol molecules linked via an ether bond.

Diglycerol is valued for its strong humectant, moisturizing, solvent, and viscosity-modifying properties and is widely used in cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, food, and industrial formulations.

Compared to glycerol, diglycerol provides lower stickiness, improved sensory feel, and longer-lasting moisture retention due to its higher molecular weight and multiple hydroxyl groups.

Diglycerol is chemically stable, non-toxic, non-irritating, biodegradable, and compatible with a wide range of ingredients, making it especially suitable for high-performance skincare, oral care, pharmaceutical preparations, functional foods, and specialty chemical applications.

Diglycerol is a clear viscous liquid very similar to glycerol.

Diglycerol has a higher molecular weight than glycerol and is less volatile.

Diglycerol is water soluble and can be combined with aqueous systems.

Diglycerol's applications are much like those of glycerol, including its use as a humectant in cosmetic formulations.

Diglycerol can also be converted to esters for use as emulsifiers in a variety of products.

Diglycerol's pharmacological properties have sparked significant interest among researchers seeking innovative therapeutic solutions.

Diglycerol molecule contains 4 hydroxyl groups, is a kind of esterified, etherification and other reaction possibilities of organic synthesis intermediates. 

Mainly used for the preparation of fatty acid esters, used as emulsifiers and Defoamers. 

Diglycerol is a colorless, odorless, and viscous liquid that is soluble in water and has hygroscopic properties. 

Diglycerol is used in various industries, including cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and polymers, due to its unique physicochemical properties.

Diglycerol, also known as diglycerin or 1,2-diglycerol, is a diol (a type of alcohol) composed of two glycerol molecules linked together by an ether bond. 

Diglycerol's chemical formula is C6H14O5 , and its CAS number is 627-82-7.

Diglycerol can be synthesized through the etherification of glycerol. 

This process involves the catalytic condensation of two glycerol molecules. 

The reaction can be carried out using both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. 

Diglycerols include alkaline-based catalysts such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. 

The reaction is typically conducted at elevated temperatures ranging from 200°C to 250°C under reduced pressure to facilitate the removal of water formed during the reaction.

In industrial settings, Diglycerol is produced through a similar etherification process. 

The reaction is often carried out in a continuous flow reactor to ensure consistent product quality and yield. 

The use of microwave irradiation has also been explored to enhance the reaction rate and selectivity towards Diglycerol. 

The final Diglycerol is purified through distillation to remove unreacted glycerol and other by-products.

Diglycerol is used as a moisturizer and humectant in skincare products due to its ability to attract and retain moisture.

Employed as a food additive, particularly as a sweetener and stabilizer.

Diglycerol acts as a solvent and excipient in various formulations.

Diglycerol is a multifunctional polyhydric alcohol obtained by the controlled condensation of glycerol, resulting in a molecule with multiple hydroxyl groups and a higher molecular weight than glycerin.

This structural feature gives diglycerol strong water-binding capacity and excellent hygroscopic behavior, allowing it to attract and retain moisture efficiently in both aqueous and semi-solid systems.

Diglycerol appears as a clear, colorless, viscous liquid with no odor and shows complete miscibility with water and many polar solvents.

In formulations, diglycerol is valued not only for its moisturizing performance but also for its ability to improve texture, stability, and sensory properties.

Compared to glycerol, Diglycerol provides reduced tackiness and a smoother, more elegant feel while maintaining long-lasting hydration.

Diglycerol's chemical stability, low volatility, and compatibility with a wide range of raw materials make it suitable for demanding applications in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, food products, and industrial formulations.

Due to its non-toxic, non-irritating, and biodegradable nature, diglycerol is widely accepted as a safe and effective ingredient in products designed for frequent or sensitive use.

Applications of Diglycerol:

Diglycerol is widely used across multiple industries due to its strong humectant properties, excellent water solubility, chemical stability, and mild sensory profile.

In the cosmetic and personal care industry, diglycerol is extensively applied in creams, lotions, serums, masks, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, shaving products, and makeup formulations.

Diglycerol enhances skin and hair hydration, improves texture and spreadability, reduces the stickiness commonly associated with glycerin, and provides long-lasting moisturization, making it especially suitable for sensitive-skin and high-performance skincare products.

In pharmaceutical applications, diglycerol is used as a solvent, stabilizer, and moisturizing excipient in oral syrups, topical creams, ointments, gels, and medicinal preparations.

Diglycerol's non-toxic and non-irritating nature ensures good patient tolerance, while its hygroscopicity helps maintain formulation stability and prevent drying or crystallization of active ingredients.

Diglycerol is also used in oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash to retain moisture, improve mouthfeel, and stabilize formulations.

In the food industry, diglycerol is used as a humectant, texturizer, carrier, and processing aid in accordance with regulatory approvals.

Diglycerol helps retain moisture, improve mouthfeel, prevent product hardening, and stabilize emulsions in baked goods, confectionery, coatings, and functional food products.

Additionally, diglycerol is used in industrial and chemical applications as a plasticizer, viscosity modifier, and intermediate for the synthesis of fatty acid esters, resins, and specialty chemicals.

Diglycerol's biodegradability, low volatility, and broad compatibility make it a versatile and reliable ingredient for formulations requiring sustained moisture retention, stability, and mild performance.

Cosmetics and Personal Care:

Diglycerol is used in creams, lotions, serums, masks, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, shaving products, and makeup formulations to provide long-lasting moisturization, improve skin feel, reduce stickiness, and enhance texture stability.

Pharmaceuticals:

Diglycerol is used as a solvent, stabilizer, and humectant in oral syrups, topical creams, gels, ointments, and medicinal preparations due to its safety, mildness, and formulation compatibility.

Oral Care Products:

Diglycerol is used in toothpaste and mouthwash formulations to retain moisture, improve mouthfeel, and support formulation stability.

Food Industry:

Diglycerol is used as a humectant, texturizer, and carrier in approved food applications to improve moisture retention, mouthfeel, and product stability.

Industrial Applications:

Diglycerol is used as a plasticizer, viscosity modifier, and formulation aid in resins, adhesives, coatings, and specialty chemical products.

Chemical Intermediate:

Diglycerol is used as a raw material for the synthesis of fatty acid esters and other value-added chemical intermediates.

Industry Uses:

Solvent

Intermediates

Consumer Uses:

Other

Plasticizer

Action Mechanism of Diglycerol:

Diglycerol acts primarily as a humectant through its multiple hydroxyl (–OH) groups, which form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

This enables diglycerol to attract moisture from the surrounding environment and retain it within formulations or on the skin and hair surface, helping to maintain hydration and prevent moisture loss.

In topical applications, diglycerol supports the skin’s natural moisture balance by remaining in the upper layers of the stratum corneum, where its higher molecular weight slows penetration and provides longer-lasting hydration with reduced tackiness compared to glycerin.

In formulations, Diglycerol also functions as a solvent and viscosity modifier, improving ingredient solubility, enhancing texture, and stabilizing emulsions, resulting in improved product performance and sensory properties.

Manufacturing of Diglycerol:

Diglycerol is manufactured by the controlled condensation (etherification) of glycerol molecules under carefully regulated conditions. 

In this process, purified glycerol is heated in the presence of an alkaline catalyst (such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) or acidic catalysts, which promotes the removal of water and the formation of an ether bond between two glycerol molecules.

Reaction temperature, pressure, and residence time are tightly controlled to favor diglycerol formation while minimizing the production of higher polyglycerols.

After the condensation reaction, the crude product mixture typically contains unreacted glycerol, diglycerol, and small amounts of triglycerol and higher oligomers.

This mixture is then subjected to vacuum distillation and purification steps to separate diglycerol and achieve the desired purity.

Final processing includes filtration and quality control to ensure compliance with cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, or industrial-grade specifications.

The result is a high-purity, stable, and biodegradable polyol suitable for a wide range of applications.

Discovery of Diglycerol:

Diglycerol was not discovered as a single, naturally occurring compound at a specific point in time but emerged from early glycerol chemistry studies in the 19th century, when chemists began investigating the behavior of glycerol under heat and catalytic conditions.

During these studies, Diglycerol was observed that glycerol molecules could undergo condensation (etherification) reactions, forming higher molecular-weight polyols such as diglycerol and polyglycerols.

With the expansion of the soap, oleochemical, and later cosmetic industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, interest in glycerol derivatives increased significantly.

Diglycerol gained industrial relevance when controlled manufacturing and purification methods were developed, allowing it to be isolated as a distinct, high-purity compound.

Diglycerol's favorable properties—strong humectancy, reduced stickiness compared to glycerin, and good tolerability—later led to its widespread adoption in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and specialty chemical applications.

Stability and Reactivity of Diglycerol:

Chemical Stability:

Diglycerol is chemically stable under normal ambient temperatures and recommended storage conditions.

Diglycerol does not undergo hazardous decomposition during routine handling, storage, or use.

Reactivity:

Diglycerol is generally non-reactive under normal conditions.

Diglycerol does not participate in hazardous polymerization or exothermic reactions.

Conditions to Avoid:

Avoid excessive heat, prolonged exposure to very high temperatures, and strong oxidizing environments, which may lead to thermal degradation.

Incompatible Materials:

Strong oxidizing agents and strong acids at elevated temperatures may cause degradation.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:

Under normal use, no hazardous decomposition products are expected.

Thermal decomposition at high temperatures may produce carbon oxides and irritating organic vapors.

Handling and Storage of Diglycerol:

Safe Handling:

Handle diglycerol in well-ventilated areas following good industrial hygiene practices.

Avoid unnecessary contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure.

Prevent spills as the material is viscous and may create slip hazards.

Hygiene Measures:

Wash hands and exposed skin after handling.

Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in handling areas.

Remove contaminated clothing before reuse.

Storage Requirements:

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment.

Packaging Integrity:

Keep containers sealed when not in use to prevent contamination and moisture ingress.

Shelf Stability:

Diglycerol maintains stability for extended periods when stored at room temperature under dry, sealed conditions.

First Aid Measures of Diglycerol:

Inhalation:

Diglycerol has low volatility; inhalation is unlikely.

If mist is inhaled and discomfort occurs, move the exposed person to fresh air.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Skin Contact:

Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.

Diglycerol is not chemically irritating but may cause mild dryness after prolonged contact.

Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Eye Contact:

Rinse eyes gently for several minutes with clean water while holding eyelids open.

Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.

Mild mechanical irritation may occur.

Seek medical attention if discomfort continues.

Ingestion:

Rinse mouth with water.

Ingestion of small amounts is not expected to be harmful.

If large quantities are swallowed or discomfort occurs, seek medical advice.

Notes for Physician:

Treatment is supportive and based on symptoms.

No specific antidote is required.

Firefighting Measures of Diglycerol:

Flammability:

Diglycerol is combustible at high temperatures but does not readily ignite under normal conditions.

Suitable Extinguishing Media:

Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding materials, including water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂.

Hazardous Combustion Products:

Thermal decomposition may generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and organic vapors.

Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters:

Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing when exposed to combustion products.

Specific Hazards:

Containers exposed to fire may rupture due to pressure buildup.

Cool with water spray if necessary.

Accidental Release Measures of Diglycerol:

Personal Precautions:

Avoid slipping hazards caused by spilled material.

Ensure adequate ventilation.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Environmental Precautions:

Prevent large quantities from entering drains or watercourses.

Diglycerol is biodegradable but uncontrolled release should be avoided.

Cleanup Methods:

Absorb spilled material with inert absorbent materials such as sand, vermiculite, or universal absorbents.

Collect into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.

Wash contaminated surfaces with water after cleanup.

Additional Advice:

Avoid spreading the material during cleanup.

Clean promptly to reduce slip risk.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protective Equipment of Diglycerol:

Engineering Controls:

General ventilation is normally sufficient.

Use local exhaust ventilation if mist formation occurs.

Respiratory Protection:

Not normally required.

Use appropriate respirators if aerosols or mists are generated.

Hand Protection:

Use protective gloves (nitrile, latex, or PVC) during prolonged or repeated contact.

Eye Protection:

Wear safety glasses or goggles to prevent splashes.

Skin and Body Protection:

Wear appropriate work clothing to minimize skin contact.

Environmental Exposure Controls:

No special environmental protection measures are required beyond standard good industrial practices.

Identifiers of Diglycerol:

CAS No.: 627-82-7

CBNumber: CB3457869

Molecular Formula: C6H14O5

Molecular Weight: 166.17

MDL Number: MFCD00049316

CAS Number: 25395-31-7

EC Number: 246-992-0

Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄O₅

Molecular Weight: ~166.17 g/mol

Chemical Family: Polyhydric alcohols (polyglycerols)

Structure Type: Ether-linked oligomeric glycerol (C₃–O–C₃ backbone)

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid

HS Code: 2905 (Acyclic polyhydric alcohols)

UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good

SMILES: C(C(CO)O)OCC(CO)O

InChI Key: ZHMPWQZJBVRZMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Product Number: T0119

Purity / Analysis Method : >80.0%(GC)

Molecular Formula / Molecular Weight: C__6H__1__4O__5 = 166.17 

Physical State (20 deg.C): Liquid

Storage Temperature : Room Temperature (Recommended in a cool and dark place, <15°C)

Related CAS RN : 627-82-7

Reaxys Registry Number: 1745235

PubChem Substance ID: 87576126

SDBS (AIST Spectral DB): 4590

MDL Number: MFCD00049316

Properties of Diglycerol:

Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow, clear viscous liquid

Odor: Odorless or very mild characteristic odor

Taste: Slightly sweet

Solubility: Completely miscible with water and polar solvents

Viscosity: High viscosity compared to glycerol

Density (20–25 °C): Approximately 1.26–1.28 g/cm³

Boiling point: >300 °C (decomposes)

Flash point: >160 °C

Molecular Weight: 166.17 g/mol

XLogP3-AA: -2.5

Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 4

Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 5

Rotatable Bond Count: 6

Exact Mass: 166.08412354 Da

Monoisotopic Mass: 166.08412354 Da

Topological Polar Surface Area: 90.2 Ų

Heavy Atom Count: 11

Complexity: 77

Isotope Atom Count: 0

Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0

Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 2

Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0

Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0

Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1

Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes

Melting point: 319 °C

Boiling point: 214.38°C (rough estimate)

Density: 1.280 g/mL at 20 °C(lit.)

refractive index: n20/D 1.489

Flash point: 240°C

storage temp.: Room Temperature

solubility: Chloroform, DMSO, Methanol (Slightly), Water (Soluble)

form: Oil

pka: 13.31±0.20(Predicted)

color: Colourless to Light Yellow

Specific Gravity: 1.285 (20/4℃)

Stability: Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Specifications of Diglycerol:

Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellow, clear viscous liquid

Chemical type: Polyol (diglycerol / oxybispropanediol)

Purity: ≥ 98% (typical, grade-dependent)

Water content: ≤ 1.0%

Viscosity (25 °C): High (grade-dependent)

Density (20–25 °C): 1.26–1.28 g/cm³

pH (aqueous solution): Neutral to slightly acidic

Flash point: >160 °C