Glyceryl monooleate

Description

§ 184.1323(a) Glyceryl monooleate is prepared by esterification of commercial oleic acid that is derived either from edible sources or from tall oil fatty acids meeting the requirements of §172.862. It contains glyceryl monooleate (C21H40O4 and glyceryl esters of fatty acids present in commercial oleic acid.

Chemical properties

Colourless Solid

Chemical properties

The PhEur 6.3 describes glyceryl monooleate as being a mixture of monoacylglycerols, mainly monooleoylglycerol, together with variable quantities of di- and triacylglycerols. They are defined by the nominal content of monoacylglycerols and obtained by partial glycerolysis of vegetable oils mainly containing triacylglycerols of oleic acid or by esterification of glycerol by oleic acid, this fatty acid being of vegetable or animal origin. A suitable antioxidant may be added.
Glyceryl monooleates occur as amber oily liquids, which may be partially solidified at room temperature and have a characteristic odor.

Chemical properties

Glyceryl monooleate has a faint fatty odor It is a polar lipid that swells in water to give several phases with different rheological properties Glyceryl monooleate is a mixture of the glycerides of oleic acid and other fatty acids, consisting mainly of monooleate.

The Uses of Glyceryl monooleate

93% 1-Oleoyl, 7% 2-oleoyl

The Uses of Glyceryl monooleate

Glycerol Monoleate is used to synthesize water soluble drugs in need of sustained-release for drug delivery.

Definition

An antifog agent and dispersant.

Production Methods

Glyceryl monooleate is prepared by the esterification of glycerol with fatty acids, chiefly oleic acid. As the fatty acids are not pure substances, but rather a mixture of fatty acids, the product obtained from the esterification will contain a mixture of esters, including stearic and palmitic. Di- and triesters may also be present. The composition and, therefore, the physical properties of glyceryl monooleate may thus vary considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer; e.g. the melting point may vary from 10–35°C.

Pharmaceutical Applications

Glyceryl monooleate is a polar lipid that swells in water to give several phases with different rheological properties. It is available in both nonemulsifying (n/e) and self-emulsifying (s/e) grades, the self-emulsifying grade containing about 5% of an anionic surfactant.
The nonemulsifying grade is used in topical formulations as an emollient and as an emulsifying agent for water-in-oil emulsions. It is also a stabilizer for oil-in-water emulsions. The self-emulsifying grade is used as a primary emulsifier for oil-in-water systems.
Glyceryl monooleate gels in excess water, forming a highly ordered cubic phase that can be used to sustain the release of various water-soluble drugs.It is also the basis of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.
Glyceryl monooleate is reported to enhance transdermal and buccal penetration.

Safety Profile

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Safety

Glyceryl monooleate is used in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as a relatively nonirritant and nontoxic excipient.

storage

Glyceryl monooleate should be stored in an airtight container, protected from light in a cool, dry place.

Incompatibilities

Glyceryl monooleate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. The self-emulsifying grade is incompatible with cationic surfactants.

Regulatory Status

GRAS listed. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (oral capsules, oral powder, oral tablets; creams, controlled-release transdermal films). Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.