Product Name: Glycerol Monostearate
Synonyms: Glyceryl Monostearate, GMS
Chemical Formula: C21H42O4
CAS Number: 31566-31-1
Recommended Use: Emulsifier, food additive, cosmetic ingredient
Manufacturer: Name and contact information of supplier
Emergency Contact: 24-hour emergency phone number
Classification: Not considered hazardous in normal conditions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Potential Health Effects: May cause minor irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract on contact; prolonged exposure to dust can lead to mild respiratory discomfort
Labeling Requirements: No pictograms required, not subject to OSHA hazard classification
Signal Word: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating and breathing dust; wash hands after handling
Chemical Name: Glycerol Monostearate
Common Name: Glyceryl Monostearate
CAS Number: 31566-31-1
Concentration: >95%
Impurities: Traces of di- and tri-glycerides, free fatty acids, glycerin
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash with water and soap. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally. Remove contact lenses if possible. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water to dilute. Avoid inducing vomiting. Consult medical help if symptoms appear.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jets
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, other potentially toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentrations can ignite. Product can burn if overheated or exposed to flame.
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, protective gloves, and goggles to avoid contact and dust inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, sewers, or natural water sources
Methods for Clean-Up: Sweep or scoop spilled product into containers for disposal. Wash area with water. Minimize generation and dispersal of dust.
Handling: Handle in well-ventilated places; avoid dust generation. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, labeled containers in cool, dry spaces away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials (oxidizers). Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits established. General nuisance dust limits may apply (OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ total dust)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to minimize airborne dust concentration
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, gloves, dust mask or respirator (if dust is present), protective clothing as needed
Appearance: White or off-white, waxy powder or flakes
Odor: Odorless or faint, fatty scent
pH: Neutral (6-8), 5% solution in water at 25°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Melting Point: 58–65°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hot alcohol and oils
Flash Point: >180°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at 20°C
Density: 0.97 g/cm³
Partition Coefficient: logKow: Estimated above 3
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions known under normal use
Decomposition Products: Heating can release carbon oxides
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, sparks, moisture
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; oral LD50 in rats estimated >10,000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation: Slight irritation may occur with prolonged exposure
Eye Irritation: May cause temporary, mild irritation
Inhalation: Dust may discomfort respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: Not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or as a reproductive hazard. Extensive use in food and cosmetics has shown low systemic toxicity.
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic reactions
Ecotoxicity: Product considered not hazardous to aquatic organisms at expected environmental concentrations
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable in soil and water
Bioaccumulation Potential: Expected to have low potential due to natural fatty acid structure
Mobility in Soil: Limited by low solubility
Persistence: Breaks down naturally in environment
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Waste can often be incinerated or landfilled if not recycled or reused.
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers should be reused or recycled after cleaning or disposed of at approved waste disposal sites
UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good
Proper Shipping Name: Glycerol Monostearate
Transport Hazard Class: None
Packing Group: None
Environmental Hazards: Not environmentally hazardous for transport
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and physical damage during transport
U.S. TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU REACH Status: Registered
FDA Status: Approved for direct addition to food (21 CFR 184.1324)
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not controlled
Other Regulations: Product complies with safety standards for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. No SARA Title III hazards. Not subject to California Proposition 65 labeling.