Glyceryl Heptanoate is a chemical compound, monoglyceric monoester obtained by the esterification of glycerine and carboxylic acids (an equivalent of a carboxylic acid and an equivalent of glycerine), in this ingredient the heptanoic acids.

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Glyceryl refers to a group derived from glycerin, a simple polyol compound. Glycerol is a colorless, odorless and viscous liquid that has a sweet, non-toxic taste.
• Heptanoate refers to the ester or saline form of heptanoate acid, a seven-carbon saturated fatty acid also known as enantic acid.

The synthesis process takes place in several stages:

• Acid-catalyzed esterification is the first step in the synthesis of Glyceryl Heptanoate where the reaction of glycerol with eptanoic acid also known as enantic acid takes place. This reaction is typically catalyzed by an acid, such as sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). The reaction can be represented as follows:

         C₃H₈O₃ (glycerol) + C₇H₁₄O₂ (heptanoic acid) -> C₂₁H₄₀O₆ (Glyceryl Heptanoate) + H₂O (water)

• Water removal. At this stage the water produced in the reaction is often removed through various methods, such as the use of a Dean-Stark apparatus or by carrying out the reaction under reduced pressure.
• Purification. the raw product Glyceryl Heptanoate may contain unreacted glycerol and heptanoic acid, as well as the acid catalyst, therefore, is purified to remove these impurities through various methods, such as distillation or extraction.
• Characterization. The final stage of the synthesis process is the characterization of the product to confirm its identity and purity. This can be done through various methods, such as infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and mass spectrometry (MS).

It is appears as a colorless liquid.

What it is used for and where

Glyceryl Heptanoate is an ester of glycerol and heptanoic acid. It is often used in cosmetics and personal care products for its moisturizing and emollient properties. It can help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss.

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Safety. The purity level of commercial monoglyceric monoester is about 90 per cent, and impurities include fatty acids, monoglyceric diesters, mono-, di- and tri-glycerides.

• Molecular Formula    C₂₁H₄₀O₆    C₁₀H₂₀O₄ 
• Molecular Weight   204.26 g/mol
• CAS  26402-24-4
• Nikkaji    J118.312E