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Monostearate

Monostearate is a term used for esters in which stearic acid is bonded to an alcohol via a single ester linkage. The most common example is glyceryl monostearate (GMS), a monoester formed from glycerol and stearic acid. Monostearates can also refer to related monoesters and salts, such as sodium monostearate or calcium monostearate, which are used in various industrial applications.

Production and forms

Monostearates are typically produced by esterification of glycerol with stearic acid, or by glycerolysis of fats

Applications

Monostearates serve as nonionic emulsifiers and texture modifiers. In foods, they act as stabilizers and help

Regulation and safety

Monostearates are widely used and generally regarded as safe when used in approved amounts. They are typically

See also

Glyceryl monostearate; monoesters of fatty acids; emulsifiers; partial glycerides.

to
yield
partial
glycerides.
Industrially,
they
may
be
prepared
as
pure
monoesters
or
as
mixtures
containing
other
mono-
and
diglycerides.
In
addition
to
glyceryl
monostearate,
metal
or
ammonium
salts
of
stearate
are
used
in
some
formulations.
blend
fats
and
water
in
products
such
as
baked
goods,
dairy,
confectionery,
and
margarine.
In
cosmetics
and
personal
care,
they
function
as
emollients,
thickeners,
and
emulsifiers,
contributing
to
cream
and
lotion
stability
and
spreadability.
In
pharmaceuticals,
they
can
be
used
as
excipients
to
improve
formulation
consistency
and
drug
dispersion.
listed
as
part
of
the
group
of
mono-
and
diglycerides
of
fatty
acids
in
food
ingredient
declarations.
As
with
any
additive,
regulatory
status
and
permissible
levels
vary
by
country
and
product
category.