3-Stearoyloxy-1,2-propanediol stands out as a specialty chemical, often recognized as a monostearate ester of glycerol. Plenty of chemists know this compound as glyceryl monostearate or GMS, though there's a technical side beyond the trade name. This solid, waxy material packs a hefty molecular formula: C21H42O4. It appears as white to off-white flakes, powder, or even as small pearls, depending on specific manufacturing techniques. The substance typically maintains a density around 0.97 g/cm3 at standard temperatures, balancing stability with a texture fitting diverse industrial workflows. I have noticed over the years, working with excipients and plasticizers, that GMS offers an unmistakable tactile impression—silky at room temperature, but easily melting as heat slides past 55°C, revealing a mild fatty scent.
When encountering 3-Stearoyloxy-1,2-propanediol in production facilities, the first thing that jumps out is its solid state under ambient conditions, combined with a crystalline structure. People find it easy to handle because, in most uses, the solid form resists caking and clumping—a trait that comes in handy when measuring large batches. Its melting point runs around 55°C to 60°C, and it shifts to a clear, slightly viscous liquid just above that. In lab work, I’ve seen it dissolve in hot alcohols but resist water—a feature that underscores its value as an emulsifier or stabilizer. Safety documentation shows it behaves as a low-risk material in most industrial settings, with minimal acute toxicity or flammability hazards. If handled in powdered form, there's always a general dust irritant risk, so proper personal protective equipment stays mandatory.
Structurally, 3-Stearoyloxy-1,2-propanediol features a glycerol backbone capped at one end by a stearic acid residue, forming an ester link. Chemists build this compound with stearic acid—usually sourced from vegetable fats or animal tallow—and glycerol, which often comes from biodiesel production. My first job in oleochemicals taught me how fatty acid chain length impacts the melting point and compatibility with other raw materials. The esterification process, combining these feedstocks, delivers a consistent product, with minor byproducts like diglycerides appearing without strict process control. This structure supports biocompatibility in cosmetic and food applications and offers a chemical starting point for further synthesis.
End users draw on this compound’s surfactant and emulsifying properties across food, cosmetics, and plastics. In food processing, it’s often the backbone for creamy textures in non-dairy toppings and it slows down fat separation in chocolate or peanut butter. Cosmetic scientists like myself have watched it form the silky base for moisturizing lotions or lip balms. Manufacturers of plastics and resins count on its lubricating and antistatic effects, favoring the material’s ability to disperse pigments and stabilizers smoothly through blends. Sometimes it even moonlights as a release agent in rubber molds, an old trick of the trade when dealing with tricky synthetics.
Specifications for 3-Stearoyloxy-1,2-propanediol detail minimum purity—commonly not less than 90%—alongside tight limits for free stearic acid, moisture, and acid value. Testing for residual solvents, color, and odor keeps quality high, since leftover acids or off-notes can disrupt both process and end-use. Lab technicians deliver tailored reports with every batch, supporting compliance with standard benchmarks such as FCC (Food Chemical Codex) or USP (United States Pharmacopeia) for food and pharma applications. Containers range from bags to barrels, with liners to prevent contamination. Past experience revealed that drums exposed to frequent temperature swings can cause material bridging and waste, so climate-controlled storage matters. The HS code, 29157090, marks it for customs as an industrial organic chemical, smoothing cross-border movement.
From a safety standpoint, 3-Stearoyloxy-1,2-propanediol generally passes for non-hazardous under GHS classifications, with standard labeling requirements and low acute risk. Yet, users can’t overlook dust hazards or possible mild irritation to skin and eyes. I’ve worked on production lines where inhalation risks from powder handling led to coughs and sneezes, emphasizing the need for dust collection systems and solid basic hygiene—wash stations, gloves, goggles, and even face masks in small rooms. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) remain a must-read before setting up any new process. Disposal rarely causes trouble because this compound breaks down in the environment, but large volumes need controlled incineration so that stearic residues don’t accumulate. Companies follow strict protocols to avoid contaminating food or pharmaceutical runs, making cross-contamination a rare but real concern.
Any facility managing 3-Stearoyloxy-1,2-propanediol can boost efficiency by storing it at stable room temperatures in dry, clean conditions. Automation cuts down exposure and manual error, and process bottlenecks usually disappear once bulk handling upgrades roll out—pneumatic transfer in place of open scooping saves money long-term. Monitoring incoming raw material quality also pays dividends. I recall batches of GMS that clumped up after picking up humidity mid-shipment; suppliers who vacuum-pack or double-seal their drums get repeat orders. Educating operators about mild irritancy and emphasizing regular maintenance on dust filters helps keep safety performance high. Tracking batch origins, moisture content, and melting points across lots smooths the unpredictable swings that happen in real-world plant runs, especially when regulatory bodies stop by for audits.
The molecular structure comes with a backbone of glycerol, esterified at the third carbon with a stearoyl group. Molecular formula C21H42O4, molecular weight near 358.56 g/mol. These features define its solubility profile—practically insoluble in water, yet dissolves well in hot organic solvents and oils. Spectroscopy or chromatography can verify batch purity on site; peaks on FTIR match the ester link, and gas chromatograms show minimal diglyceride content. This detailed analysis supports claims for high-value pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics ingredients, winning confidence from procurement teams and technical auditors. Density, typically 0.97 g/cm3, and a refractive index near 1.46, remain stable even in scaled-up storage tanks.
Producers still wrestle with feedstock inconsistencies and trace contaminants. As plant-based raw material prices rise, finding affordable, reliable stearic acid inputs keeps margins healthy. Working with GMS over the years, I have seen both breakthroughs and setbacks—adopting green chemistry approaches to reduce byproducts brought costs down, while recalls due to pesticide-contaminated tallow taught tough lessons about the value of robust supplier vetting. Investment in better filtration, traceability, and real-time analytics now helps meet both regulatory and market expectations. Waste reduction and closed-loop systems pay off, as does open communication between quality, safety, and procurement teams. With ongoing demand for safe emulsifiers and stabilizers, 3-Stearoyloxy-1,2-propanediol keeps its foothold, but only for those companies apter to adapt, document, and ensure the safest, most consistent material reaches their customers year after year.
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