Glycerol ethers

Guaifenesin, also known as glyceryl guaiacolate, sold under the brand name Mucinex, among others, is an expectorant medication taken by mouth and marketed as an aid to eliminate sputum from the respiratory tract. Chemically, it is an ether of guaiacol and glycerine. It may be used in combination with other medications. A 2014 study found that guaifenesin does not affect sputum volume in upper respiratory infections (the upper respiratory system includes most breathing parts above the lungs). It has been alleged to work in 2023 by making airway secretions more liquid.

chemical compound

Ethylhexylglycerin, or octoxyglycerin, is a glyceryl ether that is commonly used as part of a preservative system in cosmetic preparations.

Archaeol is a diether composed of two phytanyl chains linked to the sn-2 and sn-3 positions of glycerol. As its phosphate ester, it is a common component of the membranes of archaea.

thumb|Molecular structures of iGDGTs containing 0 to 4 cyclopentane rings (GDGT-0 to GDGT-4). Caldarchaeol is a membrane-spanning lipid of the isoprenoid glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (iGDGT) class, produced and used by archaea. Membranes made up of caldarchaeol are more stable since the hydrophobic chains are linked together (as compared to lipid bilayer structures in eukaryotes and bacteria), allowing archaea to withstand extreme conditions.