Polyol

The term "polyol" can have slightly different meanings depending on whether it is used in food science or polymer chemistry.

[21][22] They are also available in mixed aliphatic-aromatic versions often made from recycled raw materials, typically polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[23] Acrylic polyols are generally used in higher performance applications where stability to ultraviolet light is required[24] and also lower VOC coatings.

[39] Low molecular weight polyols are widely used in polymer chemistry where they function as crosslinking agents and chain extenders.

Polyols used in the production of commercial alkyd resins are glycerol, trimethylolpropane, and pentaerythritol.

They are also added to chewing gum because they are not broken down by bacteria in the mouth or metabolized to acids, and thus do not contribute to tooth decay.

Maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, and isomalt are common sugar alcohols.

Polyether polyol (The oxygen atoms of the ether linkages are shown in blue.)

[45][46][47] Vegetable oils and biomass are also potential renewable polyol raw materials.