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 Point | 290 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 233°C |
| Density | 1.161 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 176.67°C |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Color | <5 (200 mg/mL)(APHA) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | 25 g/100 mL (25 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0000171 Pa (25 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4264 (estimate) |
| pH | 4(0.2 molar aqueous solution) |
| Log P | -3.21 |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29224910 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 56-40-6
- EC Number
- 654-407-9
- Mol. Weight
- 75.07
- HS Code
- 29224910
- Category
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates