Description
The octyl ester of gallic acid, the medium-chain member of the gallate ester family of synthetic antioxidants. Longer alkyl chain than Propyl Gallate confers higher fat solubility and better partitioning into lipid phases of food and cosmetic systems.
White to slightly cream crystalline powder. Soluble in fats and oils; very low water solubility. Heat-stable through typical food-processing temperatures.
We supply food-grade Octyl Gallate from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include Standard Food Grade (FCC and EP compliant, 98 percent assay minimum) and pre-blended Octyl Gallate with citric acid synergist for enhanced oil-phase performance.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, melting range, free gallic acid, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Octyl Gallate joined the gallate ester family of synthetic food antioxidants in the 1950s, providing a fat-soluble alternative to the partially water-soluble Propyl Gallate. The longer alkyl chain shifts the molecule's partition coefficient toward the lipid phase, providing improved performance in oils, fats, and lipid-based cosmetics.
Industrial production proceeds by esterification of gallic acid with n-octanol under acid catalysis, followed by purification and recrystallization.
Regulated as E311 in the EU (with permitted levels of 200 mg per kg of fat, alone or in combination with other gallates and BHA) and approved by JECFA with an Acceptable Daily Intake of 0.5 mg per kg body weight. The compound is not approved for direct food use in the United States but is permitted in cosmetics and as a packaging-film antioxidant.
The antioxidant mechanism is identical to Propyl Gallate: hydrogen-atom donation from the three phenolic hydroxyl groups to peroxyl radicals, terminating the lipid-oxidation chain reaction. The longer alkyl chain primarily affects solubility and partitioning rather than intrinsic antioxidant potency.
Strategic position is in oil-phase food and cosmetic applications where partition coefficient matters, and in European and Asian markets where the compound's food approval supports use cases not available in the United States.
Where it is used
- Edible vegetable oils, animal fats, and shortening: oxidation protection
- Fried snack products and instant noodle frying oil
- Roasted nuts and seed-based confectionery
- Bakery products containing fats and shortening
- Margarine and emulsion-based fat applications
- Cosmetic and personal-care formulations including lipstick and oil-based skincare
- Pharmaceutical oil-based and topical preparations
- Animal feed and pet food: protects fats and fat-soluble vitamins from oxidative loss
- Pre-blended antioxidant systems combining Octyl Gallate with citric acid for synergy
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to slightly cream crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Melting range | 100 °C to 102 °C |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 0.5% |
| Free gallic acid | ≤ 0.5% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 0.1% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
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