Chapter 23, Problem 76A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To compare the structures of diethylene glycol and glycerol.

Concept Introduction : Diethylene glycol is used as an alternative to glycerol in manufacturing toothpaste. It is said to have a long-term effect on humans. The main target organs are the renal and neurological systems. The structures also differ from each other.

Answer to Problem 76A

Diethylene glycol has two alcohol groups and glycerol has three alcohol groups present in its structure. The structures are as follows:

  

  

Explanation of Solution

The chemical formula of Diethylene Glycol is ${\text{C}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_{\text{10}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$ whereas the chemical formula of glycerol is ${\text{C}}_3{\text{H}}_8{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$ . The structure of the diethylene glycol and glycerol shows that diethylene glycol is a diol with two alcohol groups and glycerol is a triol with three alcohol groups.

Conclusion

Glycerol is a trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is used in toothpaste to improve taste and smoothness in toothpaste. Di ethylene glycol is a dihydroxy alcohol that does the same work and is cheaper as compared to glycerol but ingestion may have a severe long-term effect on human beings.