2monoacylglycerol

2-monoacylglycerol, commonly abbreviated as 2-MAG, is a monoacylglycerol in which a fatty acyl group is esterified to the second carbon of the glycerol backbone (sn-2 position). The remaining hydroxyl groups are on the first and third carbons, making the molecule amphiphilic. There are also 1-monoacylglycerol isomers (sn-1), so 2-MAG denotes the regioisomer with the fatty acid at the sn-2 position.

In biological systems, 2-MAG is an important intermediate in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Pancreatic lipase preferentially cleaves fatty acids from the outer positions (sn-1 and sn-3) of triglycerides, producing predominantly 2-monoacylglycerol and free fatty acids. The 2-MAG is then taken up by intestinal enterocytes and reesterified into triglycerides for incorporation into chylomicrons and subsequent transport through the lymphatic system.

Synthesis and occurrence: 2-MAG can be generated by selective chemical synthesis or by lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of triglycerides with regiospecificity that yields the 2-position as the remaining acyl site. In fats and oils processing, MAGs occur naturally and can be enriched or isolated for specific formulations. In industry, monoacylglycerols are widely used as emulsifiers and stabilizers in foods and cosmetics; the broad category is often referred to as mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (commonly listed as E471 in food additives), which includes various regioisomers.

Analytical and safety notes: 2-MAG can be analyzed by chromatographic methods such as HPLC or GC following suitable derivatization. Regulatory guidance generally treats monoacylglycerols as safe ingredients when used within approved limits.