Question:
The HLB number of Glycerol mono stearate emulsifier is:
The HLB number of Glycerol mono stearate emulsifier is:
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Glycerol monostearate (GMS) has a low HLB value of 3.8, reflecting its lipophilic character, and is used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions and control fat crystallization.
Updated On: Aug 7, 2026
- 3.0
- 3.8
- 7.4
- 11.5
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) is an empirical scale ranging from 1 to 20 that indicates the relative hydrophilic (water-loving) or lipophilic (oil-loving) character of an emulsifier.
Low HLB values ($<$ 6) indicate lipophilic surfactants that are soluble in oil and favor water-in-oil (\(\text{W/O}\)) emulsions.
High HLB values ($>$ 8) indicate hydrophilic surfactants that are soluble in water and favor oil-in-water (\(\text{O/W}\)) emulsions.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Glycerol monostearate (GMS) is an ester of glycerol and stearic acid.
The molecule consists of a small hydrophilic glycerol head and a large lipophilic hydrocarbon stearic acid tail.
Because the lipophilic portion of the molecule is dominant, GMS is highly lipophilic and insoluble in water.
On the HLB scale, pure glycerol monostearate has a value of approximately 3.8.
This low HLB value makes GMS suitable for stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions (such as margarine) and controlling fat crystallization and air incorporation in products like ice cream and whipped toppings.
Other values listed represent different surfactant profiles:
An HLB of 3.0 represents more lipophilic sorbitan trioleate.
HLB values around 7--11 represent intermediate wetting agents and self-emulsifying oils.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the HLB number of glycerol monostearate is 3.8.
The Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) is an empirical scale ranging from 1 to 20 that indicates the relative hydrophilic (water-loving) or lipophilic (oil-loving) character of an emulsifier.
Low HLB values ($<$ 6) indicate lipophilic surfactants that are soluble in oil and favor water-in-oil (\(\text{W/O}\)) emulsions.
High HLB values ($>$ 8) indicate hydrophilic surfactants that are soluble in water and favor oil-in-water (\(\text{O/W}\)) emulsions.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Glycerol monostearate (GMS) is an ester of glycerol and stearic acid.
The molecule consists of a small hydrophilic glycerol head and a large lipophilic hydrocarbon stearic acid tail.
Because the lipophilic portion of the molecule is dominant, GMS is highly lipophilic and insoluble in water.
On the HLB scale, pure glycerol monostearate has a value of approximately 3.8.
This low HLB value makes GMS suitable for stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions (such as margarine) and controlling fat crystallization and air incorporation in products like ice cream and whipped toppings.
Other values listed represent different surfactant profiles:
An HLB of 3.0 represents more lipophilic sorbitan trioleate.
HLB values around 7--11 represent intermediate wetting agents and self-emulsifying oils.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the HLB number of glycerol monostearate is 3.8.
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