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Pharmaceutical Intermediates

Glycine

CAS: 56-40-6

Overview

Glycine (CAS 56-40-6 ), abbreviated Gly and designated E640 , is the simplest amino acid and a high-volume industrial ingredient. It functions primarily as a pH buffer, humectant, and flavor modifier across pharmaceutical, food, and personal care manufacturing.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, this amino acid acts as a buffering agent in parenteral formulations and a stabilizer in lyophilized protein and vaccine products. Food producers use it as a flavor modifier and mild sweetness enhancer in seasonings and processed foods.

The ingredient is frequently utilized in beverages, where its regulatory designation supports EU-compliant labeling. In personal care formulations, it improves moisture retention in skin creams, serums, and hair care products, reducing the need for higher-cost humectants.

It also serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, agrochemicals, and chelating agents such as glyphosate and EDTA derivatives. This versatility makes it a staple for chemical synthesis and industrial manufacturing.

The product is supplied as a white crystalline powder in bulk bags, drums, and fiber containers. Standard grades include USP , BP , Ph.Eur. , and FCC , covering both pharmaceutical and food-grade procurement requirements.

Technical grade is available for industrial synthesis applications where compendial certification is not required. Our supply chain ensures consistent quality and availability for large-scale operations across multiple global industrial sectors.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point290 °C (decomp)
Boiling Point233°C
Density1.161 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point176.67°C
AppearanceWhite crystalline powder
Color<5 (200 mg/mL)(APHA)
OdorOdorless
Formpowder
Water Solubility25 g/100 mL (25 ºC)
Vapor Pressure0.0000171 Pa (25 °C)
Refractive Index1.4264 (estimate)
pH4(0.2 molar aqueous solution)
Log P-3.21

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29224910
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)2

Other Names

2-azaniumylacetate | Hgly | H2N-CH2-COOH | Glyzin | Glykokoll | Glycocoll | Aminoethanoic acid | Aminoacetic acid | Gly | E640

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
56-40-6
EC Number
654-407-9
Mol. Weight
75.07
HS Code
29224910

Industries

Documentation