Glycerol via Allyl Alcohol

Glycerol (1,2,3-propanetriol) is a trihydric alcohol of great utility due to the presence of three hydroxyl groups. It is a colorless, somewhat viscous liquid with a sweet odor. Glycerin is the name usually used by pharmacists for glycerol. There are different routes for obtaining glycerol. It is a by-product from the manufacture of soap from fats and oils (a non-petroleum source). Glycerol is also produced from allyl alcohol by epoxidation using hydrogen peroxide or peracids (similar to epoxidation of propylene). The reaction of allyl alcohol with H₂O₂ produces glycidol as an intermediate, which is further hydrolyzed to glycerol: