Description
A non-ionic lipophilic emulsifier consisting predominantly of the monoester of glycerol with oleic acid. Distinct from the saturated monoglycerides in being a liquid at room temperature and forming lamellar or cubic liquid-crystal phases in water.
Amber to yellow oily liquid or soft paste. Soluble in oils and many organic solvents, swells in water to form liquid-crystalline structures used in slow-release and stabilized emulsion systems.
We supply food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade Glyceryl Monooleate from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include food-grade liquid for bakery and dairy emulsion use, distilled high-purity grade (Monoester 90% min) for pharmaceutical liquid-crystal drug delivery and topical formulations, and cosmetic grade for emulsion-based skincare.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering monoester content, acid value, iodine value, hydroxyl value, free glycerol, and microbiology.
Introduction
Glyceryl Monooleate is a member of the monoglyceride family in which the fatty acid is oleic acid, an 18-carbon mono-unsaturated chain. The double bond makes the molecule liquid at room temperature and gives rise to the family of liquid-crystal phases that distinguish this monoglyceride from its saturated relatives.
Production is by glycerolysis of triglyceride oils (typically high-oleic sunflower or olive oil) with glycerol under alkaline catalysis, followed by molecular distillation to recover monoester-rich fractions. The Monoester 90% pharmaceutical grade is the highest commercially available purity.
Regulated as part of the E471 mono- and diglycerides family in the EU, classified as Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S. FDA, listed in USP, NF, and other pharmacopoeias for pharmaceutical use, and approved by JECFA without a numerical Acceptable Daily Intake limit.
The compound's distinctive role in pharmaceutical applications is liquid-crystal formation: in contact with water, high-purity Glyceryl Monooleate self-assembles into cubic phases that act as biocompatible scaffolds for sustained-release drug delivery. This property is absent in the saturated monoglycerides and underpins a growing class of advanced drug formulations.
Where it is used
- Bakery emulsions and dough conditioners; supports gluten development and crumb softness
- Margarine and fat spread emulsions; the liquid form simplifies blending
- Pharmaceutical liquid-crystal drug delivery systems; the high-purity grade self-assembles into cubic phases that solubilize hydrophobic actives
- Cosmetic emulsion creams and lotions; co-emulsifier with anionic and non-ionic systems
- Topical and transdermal pharmaceutical bases
- Whipped toppings and dairy emulsions
- Confectionery and ice cream applications requiring an unsaturated monoglyceride
- Cell culture and biotechnology applications including membrane protein crystallization
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Amber to yellow oily liquid or soft paste |
| Monoester content | ≥ 40.0% (food grade) or ≥ 90.0% (pharma grade) |
| Free glycerol | ≤ 7.0% (food) or ≤ 1.0% (pharma) |
| Acid value (mg KOH/g) | ≤ 6.0 |
| Iodine value | 65 to 95 |
| Hydroxyl value (mg KOH/g) | 310 to 360 |
| Saponification value (mg KOH/g) | 150 to 175 |
| Peroxide value (meq/kg) | ≤ 4.0 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 5 mg/kg |
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