GMS (Glyceryl Monostearate) is a specific, widely used type of monoglyceride emulsifier derived from glycerol and stearic acid, primarily employed to stabilize and improve texture in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products.
Glycerol Monostearate (GMS)
Product Information:
Product Name: GMS (Glyceryl Monostearate) (Most specific and commonly used name)
Also Known As: Glycerol Monostearate
Food Additive: INS 471 / E471
Chemical Name: Glyceryl Monostearate
Systematic Name: Glycerol Monooctadecanoate
Broad Category: Monoacylglycerols / Monoglycerides
Chemical Formula & Structure: Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₄₂O₄
Simplified Structural Formula: C₁₇H₃₅COOCH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH
Description: Formed by esterification of stearic acid (an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid) with one hydroxyl group of glycerol, leaving the other two hydroxyl groups free.
CAS Number (for Glyceryl Monostearate): 123-94-4
Other Important Identifiers: EINECS Number: 204-664-4 (corresponding to CAS 123-94-4)
China Food Additive Designation: INS 471, CNS 10.006
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Product Details
I. Chemical Structure and Purity
Glycerol monostearate (GMS) molecules contain only one glycerol unit, with a core structure of a monoester. Mono- and diglycerides, in contrast, are a mixture of monoglycerides and diglycerides, the latter being formed by the reaction of glycerol with two fatty acids. Regarding purity, common GMS typically has a monoester content of 35%–40%, with the remainder consisting of impurities like diesters. High-purity GMS (e.g., molecularly distilled products), however, can achieve a monoester content exceeding 90%, representing significantly higher purity.
II. Physical Properties
GMS has a relatively low melting point and is soluble in both water and organic solvents. Due to their higher diglyceride content, mono- and diglycerides exhibit a higher melting point, lower solubility in water, but greater solubility in organic solvents. Additionally, GMS has an HLB value of approximately 3–5, classifying it as a lipophilic (oil-loving) emulsifier. The HLB value of mono- and diglycerides varies with their specific composition, resulting in more complex emulsifying characteristics.
III. Functional Properties
As an efficient emulsifier, GMS effectively retards starch retrogradation, stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions, and possesses certain antimicrobial properties. Mono- and diglycerides, on the other hand, combine anti-retrogradation effects with the ability to inhibit fat crystallization. For example, in margarine, they help stabilize fat crystal structures and prevent the formation of coarse β-type crystals.
IV. Applications
Glycerol monostearate (GMS) is widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Mono- and diglycerides find more extensive application in industrial sectors, such as in lubricants, resin manufacturing, and as lubricating and dispersing agents in rubber and plastic products, making them suitable for general industrial purposes.
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