Glycerol, from ingredient to platform chemical

Called "man's most versatile chemical servant", by Lesser in 1949, (1) glycerol has lately become the main platform biochemical of the chemical industry (2). Lesser was mentioning 1583 commercial direct uses for glycerol due to its unique chemical, physical and biological properties: humectant or hygroscopic agent, vehicle, solvent, sweetening agent, emollient, lubricant, softening and demulcent agent, antifreeze, refrigerant, preservative and many other.