Monolaurin

Monolaurin

Names
IUPAC name 2,3-Dihydroxypropyl dodecanoate
Other names Glyceryl laurate; Monolauroylglycerin; Glycerol monolaurate
Identifiers
CAS Number	27215-38-9  Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChEMBL	ChEMBL510533  Y
ChemSpider	14181  Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.005.024
PubChem CID	14871
UNII	Y98611C087  Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID5041275
InChI InChI=1S/C15H30O4/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-15(18)19-13-14(17)12-16/h14,16-17H,2-13H2,1H3 Y Key: ARIWANIATODDMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C15H30O4/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-15(18)19-13-14(17)12-16/h14,16-17H,2-13H2,1H3 Key: ARIWANIATODDMH-UHFFFAOYAD
SMILES OCC(O)COC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCC
Properties
Chemical formula	C15H30O4
Molar mass	274.401 g·mol−1
Melting point	63 °C
Boiling point	186 °C / 1mmHg
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Y  verify  (what is  YN ?) Infobox references

Monolaurin (also called glycerol monolaurate (GML), glyceryl laurate, and 1-lauroyl-glycerol) is a monoglyceride. It is the mono-ester formed from glycerol and lauric acid. Its chemical formula is C₁₅H₃₀O₄.

Occurrence

Monolaurin is found in coconuts and may be similar to lipids found in human breast milk. ^[1]

Lauric acid can be ingested in coconut oil and the human body converts it into monolaurin. Furthermore, coconut oil, coconut cream, grated coconut and others products are sources of lauric acid and, consequently, monolaurin. ^[2]

Uses

Monolaurin is most commonly used as a nonionic surfactant and preservative in cosmetics and packaged foods. Monolaurin is also marketed as a dietary supplement.

Monolaurin in capsule form as a dietary supplement

The United States Food and Drug Administration categorizes this substance as generally recognized as safe. ^[3]

References

1. Hegde, BM (2006). "View Point: Coconut Oil – Ideal Fat next only to Mother's Milk (Scanning Coconut's Horoscope)" (PDF). Journal of the Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine. 7: 16–19.
2. Lieberman, S.; Enig, M. G.; Preuss, H. G. (2006). "A Review of Monolaurin and Lauric Acid: Natural Virucidal and Bactericidal Agents". Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 12 (6): 310–314. doi:10.1089/act.2006.12.310.
3. "Code of Federal Regulations title 21". www.accessdata.fda.gov.