Glyceryl Monooleate (CAS 111-03-5), commercially widely referred to as GMO or Monoolein, is a non-ionic surfactant and lipophilic emulsifier functioning as a friction modifier and anti-fogging agent in plastic film manufacturing and food processing. Chemically produced via the esterification of glycerol with oleic acid, this pale yellow liquid to soft paste serves as a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier (HLB ~3.8) in cosmetic creams to improve spreadability, and acts as a lubricant additive in industrial oils to reduce metal-to-metal wear. We provide bulk supply of this versatile ester with competitive factory pricing to optimize formulations for polymer and lubricant industries. Our production ensures precise control over the mono-ester content (40% / 90% grades), making MSDS, TDS, COA available alongside customized specifications to meet food grade (E471) or industrial technical standards.
Glyceryl Monooleate GMO CAS 111-03-5
- CAS: 111-03-5
- Synonyms: GMO, Monoolein, Glycerol monooleate, 1-Oleoyl-rac-glycerol, Glyceryl oleate
- Einecs: 203-827-7
- Molecular Formula: C21H40O4
- Grade: Industrial / Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical auxiliary grade, Assay ≥99% (GMO)
- Package: 25 kg net HDPE drum or iron drum with food-grade liner; 200 kg drum available on request
Product Description
Product Overview
Glyceryl Monooleate (GMO) is a high-purity non-ionic surfactant produced by esterification of glycerol and oleic acid. It is widely used as an emulsifier, dispersant and lubricant in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, coatings and industrial formulations. With good safety profile, excellent wetting and stabilizing performance, GMO is suitable for both W/O and O/W systems and helps improve texture, gloss and stability of end products.
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Physicochemical Properties
| Item | Typical Value* |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow to light brown viscous liquid or paste |
| Assay (Glyceryl monooleate) | ≥ 99.0 % |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₁H₄₀O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 356.54 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 35–37 °C |
| Boiling Point (760 mmHg, calc.) | ≈ 409 °C |
| Density | ~0.94 g/cm³ at 35 °C |
| Refractive Index | nᴅ (589 nm, 35 °C) ≈ 1.463–1.464 |
| Flash Point | ~180 °C (closed cup) |
| Acid Value | ≤ 6.0 mg KOH/g |
| Moisture | ≤ 2.0 % |
| Free Glycerol | ≤ 7.0 % |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, isopropanol, chloroform and most vegetable/mineral oils |
| Stability | Hygroscopic, light-sensitive; stable under recommended storage conditions |
Applications
- Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
- Emulsifier, solubilizer and wetting agent in soft-gel capsules, ointments and suspensions
- Used as lipid-based carrier in drug-delivery systems and self-emulsifying formulations
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Emollient and W/O emulsifier in creams, lotions, hair conditioners, massage oils and bath oils
- Pigment dispersant in make-up, improving spreadability and skin feel
- Food & Flavors
- Emulsifier and stabilizer in flavors, fats and oils, bakery and confectionery applications (compliance with local food regulations required)
- Industrial & Other Uses
- Lubricant and anti-wear additive in metalworking fluids and plastic processing
- Non-ionic surfactant in agrochemical formulations, textile auxiliaries, coatings and inks
- Used as surface-active component in defoamers and antistatic agents
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse, recommended below 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep containers tightly closed to avoid moisture uptake and oxidation; if possible, blanket bulk tanks with inert gas.
- Do not store together with strong oxidizing agents or strong acids/alkalis.
- Shelf life: typically 12–24 months in original unopened packaging; re-test before extended storage.
Safety Precautions
- Glyceryl Monooleate is generally regarded as having low acute toxicity and is widely used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, but standard chemical-handling precautions should still be followed.
- Avoid prolonged contact with skin and eyes; avoid inhalation of mists or heated vapors.
- Recommended PPE: safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing during bulk handling; use local exhaust ventilation in processing areas.
- In case of eye contact: rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- Spills: absorb with inert material (sand, diatomite, etc.), collect into suitable containers for disposal; avoid discharge into waterways.
- Dispose of product and packaging in accordance with local regulations.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Glyceryl Monooleate CAS 111-03-5?
A: Glyceryl monooleate, commonly called GMO, is the monoester of glycerol and oleic acid. It is supplied as an amber to pale-yellow oily liquid or soft paste and is used as a lipophilic emulsifier, lubricant and plastic additive. -
Q:
How does GMO differ from glyceryl monostearate?
A: GMO is based on unsaturated oleic acid, while GMS is based on saturated stearic acid. The cis double bond in the oleyl chain reduces crystallinity, so GMO is typically a liquid or soft material with a lower melting point than GMS. -
Q:
What kind of emulsifier is GMO?
A: GMO has a low HLB value of approximately 3-4 and is primarily a water-in-oil emulsifier. For oil-in-water systems it is usually combined with a higher-HLB emulsifier to form a balanced emulsifier system. -
Q:
What are the main applications?
A: It is used in food emulsifiers, cosmetic and pharmaceutical creams, lubricants, metalworking fluids, textile auxiliaries, antistatic agents and plastic films. In PVC film it also acts as an internal anti-fogging additive. -
Q:
Why is GMO used as an anti-fogging additive in PVC film?
A: GMO migrates to the film surface and lowers the surface tension of condensed water, allowing moisture to spread into a transparent film instead of forming visible droplets. This helps maintain clarity in food-packaging and agricultural films. -
Q:
Which grade and packaging does this listing cover?
A: The listing is industrial, cosmetic and pharmaceutical auxiliary grade with GMO assay at least 99%. It is supplied in 25 kg net HDPE drums or iron drums with a food-grade liner, with 200 kg drums available on request. -
Q:
What specifications should be checked before ordering?
A: Confirm appearance, monoester content, free glycerol, acid value, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, moisture, heavy metals and any food or pharmaceutical suitability data. Request the batch analysis, technical data and safety information. -
Q:
How should GMO be stored and handled?
A: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from heat, light, strong oxidizers and moisture. Avoid prolonged high temperatures, use suitable PPE and follow the safety information for handling and disposal.
Ordering & Documentation
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Documents
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Sample & Supply
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Storage & Shipping
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