Glyceryl monostearate
CAS 31566-31-1
EC 250-705-4
Formula C21H42O4
MW 358.56 g/mol
Oils, Fats & Waxes Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPharmaceuticals & HealthcarePlastics & Polymers Emulsification & DispersionPlasticizer & SoftenerRheology Modification
Description
Glyceryl monostearate (GMS) is a monoglyceride ester derived from glycerol and stearic acid, commercially available under trade names including Imwitor 191, Nikkol MGS-A, and Monostearin. It carries no E-number designation in the EU but is recognised under CAS 31566-31-1 and EC 250-705-4.
In food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, GMS functions as an emulsifier by orienting its hydrophilic glycerol head and lipophilic stearate tail at oil-water interfaces, stabilising emulsions in baked goods, margarines, and oral solid dosage forms. In plastics processing, it acts as an internal lubricant and anti-static agent in PVC and polyolefin compounds.
GMS is supplied in bead and powder form and is available in food-grade (FCC-compliant) and pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.-aligned) specifications. It falls under REACH regulation and is classified under HS code 2918199890. Procurement teams should confirm grade suitability against application-specific purity requirements prior to ordering.
In food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, GMS functions as an emulsifier by orienting its hydrophilic glycerol head and lipophilic stearate tail at oil-water interfaces, stabilising emulsions in baked goods, margarines, and oral solid dosage forms. In plastics processing, it acts as an internal lubricant and anti-static agent in PVC and polyolefin compounds.
GMS is supplied in bead and powder form and is available in food-grade (FCC-compliant) and pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.-aligned) specifications. It falls under REACH regulation and is classified under HS code 2918199890. Procurement teams should confirm grade suitability against application-specific purity requirements prior to ordering.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 57 °C |
| Boiling Point | 410.96°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 0.906 g/cm³ @ Temp: 75 °C |
| Flash Point | >500 |
| Appearance | Beads |
| Color | Pure-white or cream-colored, wax-like solid |
| Odor | faint odor |
| Form | Powder |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in hot organic solvents.Soluble in hot water. Slightly soluble in ethanol. Insoluble in aliphatic solvents. |
| Refractive Index | 1.4400 (estimate) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 2918199890 |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
2,3-dihydroxypropyl octadecanoateGMSMonostearinImwitor 191Nikkol MGS-A1-MONOSTEARINEMALEX GMS-195Stearin, mono-
Related Products
Raw Materials
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.