E471, Glycerol Monostearate, Mono and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, GMS, GMS90, 123-94-4, 31566-31-1, 11099-07-3, 342394-34-7

E471, Glycerol Monostearate, Mono and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, GMS, GMS90, 123-94-4, 31566-31-1, 11099-07-3, 342394-34-7

E471 – Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Glycerol Monostearate, GMS), covering all details for catalog, ERP, and compliance documentation.

🧾 Chemical Identity

• Name: Glycerol Monostearate (GMS), Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

• Food Additive Code: E471

• CAS Numbers: 123-94-4 (primary), 31566-31-1, 11099-07-3, 342394-34-7 (alternates)

• EC Number: 204-664-4

• Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₄₂O₄ (monostearate representative)

• Molecular Weight: ~358.6 g/mol

• Appearance: White to cream-colored powder, flakes, or granules; waxy texture

• Melting Point: 58–65 °C

• Solubility: Insoluble in water, dispersible; soluble in ethanol and organic solvents

• Odor/Taste: Neutral, bland

⚙️ Functional Properties

• Emulsifier: Stabilizes oil-water mixtures.

• Stabilizer: Controls fat crystallization, prevents phase separation.

• Lubricant: Improves processability in plastics and rubber.

• Antistatic Agent: Reduces static charge in polymers and textiles.

• Dispersing Agent: Enhances pigment distribution in inks and coatings.

🍬 Applications by Sector

Food Industry (E471)

• Chocolate: Prevents fat bloom, stabilizes gloss.

• Margarine & Spreads: Maintains oil-water emulsion.

• Ice Cream & Bakery: Improves texture and shelf life.

• Halva (Tahini-based): Prevents oil separation, ensures homogeneous texture.

Pharmaceuticals

• Tablets: Binder and coating agent.

• Capsules: Improves solubility and controlled release.

• Drug Delivery: Used in lipid-based formulations.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Creams & Lotions: Thickener, stabilizer, moisturizer.

• Hair Care: Antistatic and conditioning agent.

• Makeup Products: Stabilizes oil-water phases in foundations and lipsticks.

Plastics & Rubber

• PVC & Polyolefins: Antistatic and lubricant additive.

• Rubber Processing: Improves flexibility and processing efficiency.

Textile & Leather

• Fiber Softener: Reduces friction in yarns.

• Antistatic: Prevents static electricity in synthetic fibers.

• Auxiliary in Dyeing/Finishing: Stabilizes emulsions in textile chemicals.

Paper & Printing Inks

• Pigment Dispersant: Improves ink uniformity.

• Surface Treatment: Enhances coating smoothness.

Agriculture

• Pesticide Formulations: Acts as a surfactant and dispersing agent.

✅ Regulatory & Safety

• EU & Turkey: Approved food additive (E471).

• USA: GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FDA.

• Labeling: Must be declared as “Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids” or “E471.”

• Source: Produced from vegetable oils (soy, palm, sunflower) or animal fats.

• Halal/Kosher: Vegetable-derived grades are compliant; certification required for animal-derived grades.

🎯 Summary

• E471 (GMS) is a multi-sector emulsifier and stabilizer.

• In food, it is mandatory for chocolate, margarine, and industrial halva production.

• In pharma and cosmetics, it is a standard excipient and stabilizer.

• In plastics, rubber, and textiles, it is critical as an antistatic and lubricant additive.

• Documentation should always reference CAS 123-94-4 as the primary identifier, with alternates listed for supplier compatibility.

📊 Sectoral Suitability & Mandatory Use Table (E471 – Glycerol Monostearate)

✅ Summary

• Food sector: E471 is mandatory in chocolate, margarine, and halva to prevent oil separation.

• Pharma & cosmetics: A standard stabilizer and excipient.

• Plastics, rubber & textiles: A critical antistatic and lubricant additive.

• Paper & agriculture: Used as a complementary or optional additive.