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
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.
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.
Uses
93% 1-Oleoyl, 7% 2-oleoyl
Uses
Glycerol Monoleate is used to synthesize water soluble drugs in need of sustained-release for drug delivery.
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
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.
