Product Name: Glycerol Fatty Acid Ester
Chemical Family: Glycerides
Common Synonyms: Mono- and Diglycerides, Glycerol Esters
CAS Number: 31566-31-1 / varies by composition
Intended Use: Food emulsifier, cosmetic ingredient, industrial lubricant, pharmaceutical excipient
Supplier Details: Available from several global chemical manufacturers
Emergency Contact: Refer to local supplier’s emergency number for real-time guidance
Recommended Restrictions: Not for direct consumption in concentrated form, not suitable for combustion engines
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS criteria
Physical Hazards: Forms slippery surfaces if spilled
Health Hazards: Low toxicity, mildly irritating to eye or skin on repeated contact
Environmental Hazards: Slight, large quantities may contaminate soil and water
Signal Words: None required
Pictograms: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid unnecessary contact, keep out of waterways, maintain hygiene practice
Potential Effects: No chronic toxicity, minimal acute effects with typical exposure
Main Ingredient: Glycerol esters of fatty acids (typically C12-C18 chain length)
Concentration: 85–100% glycerol fatty acid ester by weight
Other Constituents: Trace mono- and diglycerides, residual free glycerol, minor fatty acids or soap traces
Impurities: Unreacted feedstock under 0.5%
Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air, offer water to rinse mouth if discomfort persists
Skin Contact: Rinse area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Flush thoroughly with running water for several minutes, seek attention if irritation does not resolve
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute, seek attention if large amount consumed or if discomfort persists
Most Important Symptoms: Temporary skin or eye irritation
Medical Attention: Rarely needed, monitor severe cases
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, CO2, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet may spread burning material, use with caution
Specific Hazards: Decomposition at high temperatures releases acrolein and possibly irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus, gloves, goggles, and other PPE
Other Notes: Burning glycerol esters may cause dense smoke and slippery surfaces when cooled
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves and goggles for skin and eye protection, maintain good ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Block entry to drains, surface water, or soil, contain spill as much as possible
Clean-up Methods: Absorb with inert material like sand or vermiculite, shovel into containers for disposal, mop residue with detergent
Other Information: Prevent slips by removing all traces, dispose according to regional waste protocols
Safe Handling Practices: Use hygienic gloves, avoid contact with eyes, work in ventilated space
Preventative Measures: Avoid spills, keep away from ignition sources, prevent static discharge if using in bulk
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, protect from strong oxidants, moisture, and freezing temperatures
Temperature Range: Optimal storage 15–30°C (59–86°F), keep away from direct heat
Recommended Containers: HDPE drums, stainless steel tanks for food grade
Bulk Storage: Avoid prolonged storage above 40°C
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established by OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH
Engineering Controls: General exhaust ventilation or local exhaust for bulk containers
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile or similar), safety goggles, work clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after contact, do not eat, drink, or smoke near product
Respiratory Protection: Not usually needed, use mask for fine particles or if vaporizing heated material
Environmental Exposure: Prevent runoff to soil or water, use containment bunds for large storage
Physical State: Pale yellow to white waxy solid or oily liquid
Odor: Faint fatty odor, bland taste
Melting Point: 30–70°C depending on fatty acid composition
Boiling Point: Above 200°C (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Above 200°C (open cup)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, ether, many organic solvents
Specific Gravity: 0.95–1.05
pH: Neutral (not measured in water)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): Estimated above 3 (hydrophobic)
Other Properties: Stable under normal conditions, slight hygroscopicity
Chemical Stability: Stable at standard storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers like concentrated nitric acid
Hazardous Reactions: None expected under normal use
Decomposition Products: On excessive heating, may form acrolein, fatty acids, and smoke
Polymerization: Does not self-polymerize
Routes of Exposure: Oral, dermal, occasional eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Estimated oral LD50 above 5,000 mg/kg (rat), low hazard
Chronic Effects: Non-carcinogenic, not mutagenic, not teratogenic based on available studies
Eye/Skin Contact: Minor irritation possible, especially with prolonged exposure
Inhalation: Low risk, dust or aerosol may cause mild throat discomfort
Other Sensitivities: Rare allergic reaction in sensitive people
Medical Conditions Aggravated: None known for typical handling
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA, or ACGIH
Environmental Fate: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Aquatic Toxicity: Not expected to be toxic to aquatic life at typical release levels
Persistence and Degradability: Breaks down by microbial action, possible oxygen demand with large spills
Bioaccumulation: Low, due to natural metabolism of glycerol and fatty acids
Mobility in Soil: Low, binds to particulate matter and organic material
Other Environmental Concerns: May form surface films, which impact water-air gas exchange in high concentration
Product Disposal: Incinerate in approved facilities or manage as non-hazardous organic waste when possible
Waste Code: Not classified as hazardous waste by US EPA or EU guidelines
Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse containers, recycle or dispose in accordance with local regulations
Other Guidance: Never discharge into sewers or natural waterways
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name: Glycerol Fatty Acid Ester or Non-Hazardous Material
Special Precautions: Protect from extreme heat and cold, shipments must be well-sealed and clearly labeled
Transport by Road, Rail, Sea, Air: Permitted, not subject to ADR, IMDG, IATA, DOT restrictions
Environmental Hazards (Transport): Not a marine pollutant
Regulatory Status: Approved as food additive (E471) in EU, GRAS in United States
Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA (US), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan)
Labeling Requirements: No mandatory hazard statements under GHS or OSHA HCS
Workplace Regulations: No specific worker exposure standards
Other Regulations: Restrictions in applications may exist for pharmaceutical or infant food use due to purity specifications
REACH Status: Registered as substance not classified as hazardous