Description
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS) is a molecule composed of glycerol and stearic acid. It is a common food additive and industrial chemical that functions as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and stabilizer.
The “45%” in GMS 45% refers to the monoglyceride content by weight. This means that a product labeled as GMS 45% contains a minimum of 45% of glycerol monostearate. The remaining percentage is made up of other related compounds, primarily:
- Diglycerides: Glycerol molecules attached to two fatty acid chains.
- Triglycerides: Glycerol molecules attached to three fatty acid chains.
- Free Glycerol: Unreacted glycerol.
Key Properties
| Property | Details |
| Product Name | Glyceryl Monostearate 45% |
| Synonyms | GMS 45%, Glycerol Monostearate |
| Chemical Type | Fatty acid ester |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₁H₄₂O₄ (for glyceryl monostearate) |
| CAS Number | 31566-31-1 (mixture); 123-94-4 (pure GMS) |
| Molecular Weight | ~358.56 g/mol (pure GMS) |
| Composition | ≥45% monoesters, remainder di- and triglycerides |
| Appearance | White to off-white flakes, beads, or powder |
| Odor | Mild, fatty odor |
| Taste | Slightly sweet, fatty |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in hot oils and organic solvents |
| Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB) | ~3–4 |
| Melting Point | ~55–65 °C |
| pH (5% dispersion) | ~6.0–8.0 |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions |
| Reactivity | Non-reactive under normal conditions |
| Functionality | Emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
| Ionic Nature | Non-ionic |
Uses GMS 45%
Baking: Used in bread, cakes, and other baked goods to improve texture, volume, and shelf life.
Confectionery: Added to chocolates and candies to prevent “blooming” and improve gloss.
Dairy Products: Used in ice cream to improve overrun and give a smoother texture, and in creams and whipped toppings as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
Margarine: Used to create the stable water-in-oil emulsion.
Plastics: Can be used as a lubricant or anti-static agent.
Grades
Food Grade (E471) This is the most common classification for GMS 45%. It means the product is manufactured under strict conditions to be safe for human consumption.
Regulation: It is classified as a food additive under the European Union’s E-number system as E471.
Industrial/Technical Grade
This grade is not intended for food or pharmaceutical use. The manufacturing process and purity standards are less stringent than for food grade, making it more cost-effective. Purity: While still containing at least 45% monoglyceride, the limits on impurities are not as strict.
Pharmaceutical/Cosmetic Grade
While GMS 65% or 90% are more commonly used for these applications due to their higher purity, GMS 45% can still be used in certain cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, particularly where cost is a factor and high emulsifying power is not the primary requirement.Purity: Must meet specific regulatory standards for cosmetic ingredients. Impurities are carefully monitored to ensure safety for topical application.
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