Alcohol vs. Glycerol — What's the Difference?

An intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor.

A component used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties.

Any organic compound whose molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a carbon atom.

Used medically to relieve constipation due to its hyperosmotic effects.

Ethanol, especially when considered as a drink.

A sweet, non-toxic liquid used as a solvent and in pharmaceutical formulations.

A chemical used in medical applications for sterilization.

A substance used in the food industry to retain moisture and improve shelf life.

A liquid substance used primarily as a solvent, and also as a fuel and refrigerant.

A byproduct of biodiesel production, also synthesized from other sources.

In chemistry, alcohol is an organic compound that carries at least one hydroxyl functional group (−OH) bound to a saturated carbon atom. The term alcohol originally referred to the primary alcohol ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is used as a drug and is the main alcohol present in alcoholic drinks.

Glycerol (; also called glycerine in British English or glycerin in American English) is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic.

A colourless volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars and is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel

A colourless, sweet, viscous liquid formed as a by-product in soap manufacture. It is used as an emollient and laxative, and for making explosives and antifreeze.

Any of a series of hydroxyl compounds, the simplest of which are derived from saturated hydrocarbons, have the general formula CnH2n+1OH, and include ethanol and methanol.

A syrupy, sweet, colorless or yellowish liquid triol, C3H8O3, obtained from fats and oils as a byproduct of saponification and used as a solvent, antifreeze, plasticizer, and sweetener and in the manufacture of dynamite, cosmetics, liquid soaps, inks, and lubricants.

A colorless volatile flammable liquid, C2H5OH, synthesized or obtained by fermentation of sugars and starches and widely used, either pure or denatured, as a solvent and in drugs, cleaning solutions, explosives, and intoxicating beverages. Also called ethanol, ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol.

(organic compound) 1,2,3-trihydroxy-propane or propan-1,2,3-triol; a trihydric alcohol

Intoxicating beverages containing ethanol considered as a group

A syrupy sweet liquid obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of soap from animal or vegetable oils and fats; it is used as an antifreeze, a plasticizer, and a food sweetener and in the manufacture of dynamite, cosmetics etc.

Any of a class of organic compounds (such as ethanol) containing a hydroxyl functional group (-OH).

Same as Glycerin.

(colloquial) Ethanol.

A sweet syrupy trihydroxy alcohol obtained by saponification of fats and oils

(uncountable) Beverages containing ethanol, collectively.

(obsolete) Any very fine powder.

An impalpable powder.

The fluid essence or pure spirit obtained by distillation.

Pure spirit of wine; pure or highly rectified spirit (called also ethyl alcohol or ethanol, CH3.CH2.OH); the spirituous or intoxicating element of fermented or distilled liquors, or more loosely a liquid containing it in considerable quantity. It is extracted by simple distillation from various vegetable juices and infusions of a saccharine nature, which have undergone vinous fermentation.

A class of compounds analogous to vinic alcohol in constitution. Chemically speaking, they are hydroxides of certain organic radicals; as, the radical ethyl forms common or ethyl alcohol (C2H5.OH); methyl forms methyl alcohol (CH3.OH) or wood spirit; amyl forms amyl alcohol (C5H11.OH) or fusel oil, etc.

A liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent;

Any of a series of volatile hydroxyl compounds that are made from hydrocarbons by distillation

Glycerol is commonly used to relieve constipation due to its hyperosmotic properties.

Alcohol is mainly produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast.

Alcohol is used as a refrigerant due to its ability to absorb heat when it evaporates.

Glycerol is commonly produced as a byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing or synthesized from propylene.

Glycerol is used in pharmaceuticals to improve smoothness, provide lubrication, and as a sweetener in oral medications.

No, glycerol is non-toxic and non-flammable, contrasting with the volatile, flammable nature of alcohol.

Alcohol is primarily used in beverages and as a solvent in various industrial applications.

Glycerol is used to retain moisture and improve texture in foods.

Alcohol is used medically as an antiseptic and a depressant.

Yes, both substances are used in cosmetics but for different purposes; alcohol as a solvent and glycerol for moisture retention.

Glycerol is not commonly used as a fuel due to its chemical properties, unlike alcohol, which can be used as a fuel.

Alcohol consumption affects the central nervous system and can impair physical and cognitive functions.

Glycerol is added to baked goods to help retain moisture and extend shelf life.

Safety considerations include its flammability and the need to handle it away from open flames and high temperatures.

No, alcohol is not typically involved in biodiesel production, whereas glycerol is a byproduct of this process.