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Sodium (S)-2-amino-4-carboxybutanoate hydrate

PubChem CID
23666328
Structure
Sodium (S)-2-amino-4-carboxybutanoate hydrate_small.png
Sodium (S)-2-amino-4-carboxybutanoate hydrate_3D_Structure.png
Molecular Formula
Synonyms
  • 6106-04-3
  • Sodium (S)-2-amino-4-carboxybutanoate hydrate
  • Sodium L-glutamate hydrate
  • MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE
  • L-Glutamic acid monosodium salt hydrate
Molecular Weight
187.13 g/mol
Computed by PubChem 2.1 (PubChem release 2021.05.07)
Dates
  • Create:
    2008-02-05
  • Modify:
    2025-01-18
Description
Monosodium glutamate appears as white or off-white crystalline powder with a slight peptone-like odor. pH (0.2% solution)7.0. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
One of the FLAVORING AGENTS used to impart a meat-like flavor.

1 Structures

1.1 2D Structure

Chemical Structure Depiction
Sodium (S)-2-amino-4-carboxybutanoate hydrate.png

1.2 3D Conformer

3D Conformer of Parent

2 Biologic Description

SVG Image
SVG Image
IUPAC Condensed
H-Glu-OH.Na+.H2O
Sequence
E
IUPAC
L-glutamic acid; hydrate; sodium salt

3 Names and Identifiers

3.1 Computed Descriptors

3.1.1 IUPAC Name

sodium;(2S)-2-amino-5-hydroxy-5-oxopentanoate;hydrate
Computed by LexiChem 2.6.6 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)

3.1.2 InChI

InChI=1S/C5H9NO4.Na.H2O/c6-3(5(9)10)1-2-4(7)8;;/h3H,1-2,6H2,(H,7,8)(H,9,10);;1H2/q;+1;/p-1/t3-;;/m0../s1
Computed by InChI 1.0.5 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)

3.1.3 InChIKey

GJBHGUUFMNITCI-QTNFYWBSSA-M
Computed by InChI 1.0.5 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)

3.1.4 SMILES

C(CC(=O)O)[C@@H](C(=O)[O-])N.O.[Na+]
Computed by OEChem 2.3.0 (PubChem release 2024.12.12)

3.2 Molecular Formula

C5H10NNaO5
Computed by PubChem 2.1 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)

3.3 Other Identifiers

3.3.1 CAS

6106-04-3
142-47-2
16177-21-2

3.3.2 European Community (EC) Number

205-538-1

3.3.3 ChEMBL ID

3.3.4 DSSTox Substance ID

3.3.5 FEMA Number

3.3.6 NCI Thesaurus Code

3.3.7 Wikidata

3.3.8 Wikipedia

3.4 Synonyms

3.4.1 MeSH Entry Terms

  • Accent
  • Glutamate, Sodium
  • Monosodium Glutamate
  • MSG
  • Sodium Glutamate
  • Vestin

3.4.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

4 Chemical and Physical Properties

4.1 Computed Properties

Property Name
Molecular Weight
Property Value
187.13 g/mol
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.1 (PubChem release 2021.05.07)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
Property Value
3
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.6.11 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)
Property Name
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
Property Value
6
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.6.11 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)
Property Name
Rotatable Bond Count
Property Value
4
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.6.11 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)
Property Name
Exact Mass
Property Value
187.04566670 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.1 (PubChem release 2021.05.07)
Property Name
Monoisotopic Mass
Property Value
187.04566670 Da
Reference
Computed by PubChem 2.1 (PubChem release 2021.05.07)
Property Name
Topological Polar Surface Area
Property Value
104 Ų
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.6.11 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)
Property Name
Heavy Atom Count
Property Value
12
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Formal Charge
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Complexity
Property Value
149
Reference
Computed by Cactvs 3.4.6.11 (PubChem release 2019.06.18)
Property Name
Isotope Atom Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
1
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count
Property Value
0
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count
Property Value
3
Reference
Computed by PubChem
Property Name
Compound Is Canonicalized
Property Value
Yes
Reference
Computed by PubChem (release 2011.04.04)

4.2 Experimental Properties

4.2.1 Physical Description

Monosodium glutamate appears as white or off-white crystalline powder with a slight peptone-like odor. pH (0.2% solution)7.0. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
White, practically odourless crystals or crystalline powder
White solid; [Merck Index] Fine colorless crystals; MSDSonline]

4.2.2 Color / Form

White free flowing crystals or crystalline powder
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117
Forms rhombic prisms when crystallized from water
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117

4.2.3 Odor

Practically odorless
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117

4.2.4 Taste

Meaty taste comes from contaminants in crude glutamates; sweet-saline taste in large concn; no flavor in small quantity
Furia, T.E. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Food Additives. 2nd ed. Cleveland: The Chemical Rubber Co., 1972., p. 516
A 1% concn or more is liable to produce a sweetish taste.
The Merck Index. 9th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck & Co., Inc., 1976., p. 811

4.2.5 Boiling Point

225 °C (decomposes)
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117

4.2.6 Melting Point

450 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

4.2.7 Solubility

greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Freely soluble in water; practically insoluble in ethanol or ether
SPARINGLY SOL IN ALCOHOL
Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs and Biologicals. Rahway, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1989., p. 984
73.9 G PER 100 ML WATER @ 25 °C; IT IS PRACTICALLY INSOL IN OIL OR ORGANIC SOLVENTS
Merory, J. Food Flavorings: Composition, Manufacture, and Use. 2nd ed. Westport, Conn.: Avi Publishing Co., 1968., p. 291
In water, 385,000 ppm at 25 °C
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V2: 410 (1978)

4.2.8 Density

26.2 (saturated water solution at 20 °C)
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117

4.2.9 Optical Rotation

[α]D/20 between + 24,8° and + 25,3°; (10 % solution (anhydrous basis) in 2N HCl, 200 mm tube)
Specific optical rotation: +24.2 to +25.5 deg at 25 °C/D (concn = 8.0 g in 100 mL 1.0 N hydrochloric acid)
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117
L-Sodium glutamate is slightly levorotatory in water, but dextrorotatory in acid soln (the free L-acid is dextrorotatory)
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117

4.2.10 Decomposition

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of oxides of /nitrogen and sodium oxide/.
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2004., p. 2573

4.2.11 pH

Between 6,7 and 7,2 (5 % solution)
pH = 6.8 (5% solution); pH = 7.0 (3% solution)
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117

4.2.12 Other Experimental Properties

THE MONOHYDRATE FORMS NEEDLES
The Merck Index. 9th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck & Co., Inc., 1976., p. 811
THE FLAVOR BECOMES PERCEPTIBLE @ A CONCN OF 0.03% IN DISTILLED WATER
Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. Volume 1. Edited, translated, and revised by T.E. Furia and N. Bellanca. 2nd ed. Cleveland: The Chemical Rubber Co., 1975., p. 239
Below -8 deg /C/, it crystallizes as a pentahydrate, which, after filtration and exposure to air, loses water of crystallization and becomes the monohydrate.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. 13th Edition, Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2001., p. 1117

4.3 Chemical Classes

Nitrogen Compounds -> Other Nitrogen Compounds

4.3.1 Endocrine Disruptors

Potential endocrine disrupting compound
S109 | PARCEDC | List of 7074 potential endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) by PARC T4.2 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10944198

4.3.2 Food Additives

FLAVOR ENHANCER, NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENT, PH CONTROL AGENT, STABILIZER OR THICKENER -> FDA Substance added to food

5 Spectral Information

5.1 1D NMR Spectra

5.1.1 1H NMR Spectra

Instrument Name
Varian CFT-20
Copyright
Copyright © 2009-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.1.2 13C NMR Spectra

Source of Sample
Fluka AG, Buchs, Switzerland
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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5.2 IR Spectra

5.2.1 FTIR Spectra

Technique
KBr WAFER
Source of Sample
Fluka Chemie AG, Buchs, Switzerland
Catalog Number
49621
Copyright
Copyright © 1980, 1981-2024 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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7 Chemical Vendors

8 Drug and Medication Information

8.1 FDA National Drug Code Directory

8.2 Drug Labels

Homeopathic product and label

8.3 Clinical Trials

8.3.1 ClinicalTrials.gov

8.3.2 NIPH Clinical Trials Search of Japan

8.4 Therapeutic Uses

One of the FLAVORING AGENTS used to impart a meat-like flavor. Medically it has been used to reduce blood ammonia levels in ammoniacal azotemia, therapy of hepatic coma, in psychosis, and mental retardation.
National Library of Medicine - Medical Subject Headings (2007)

8.5 Drug Warnings

The large doses of sodium glutamate required for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy may result in dangerous alkalosis and hypokalemia ... important to keep close control on the electrolyte balance during therapy.
Reynolds, J.E.F., Prasad, A.B. (eds.) Martindale-The Extra Pharmacopoeia. 28th ed. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1982., p. 59
Injections of sodium glutamate should be given with caution to patients with hepatic cirrhosis, impaired renal function, or liver disease not associated with hyperammonemia.
Reynolds, J.E.F., Prasad, A.B. (eds.) Martindale-The Extra Pharmacopoeia. 28th ed. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1982., p. 59
Food and Environmental Agents: Effect on Breast-Feeding: Monosodium glutamate: None. /from Table 7/
Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs in Pediatrics 93 (1): 142 (1994)

9 Food Additives and Ingredients

9.1 FDA Substances Added to Food

Used for (Technical Effect)
FLAVOR ENHANCER, NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENT, PH CONTROL AGENT, STABILIZER OR THICKENER
FEMA Number
2756
GRAS Number
3

10 Pharmacology and Biochemistry

10.1 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Flavoring Agents
Substances added to foods and medicine to improve the taste. (See all compounds classified as Flavoring Agents.)

10.2 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Glutamate is absorbed from the gut by an active transport system specific for amino acids. This process is saturable, can be competitively inhibited, and is dependent on sodium ion concentration... . During intestinal absorption, a large proportion of glutamic acid is transaminated and consequently alanine levels in portal blood are elevated. If large amounts of glutamate are ingested, portal glutamate levels increase ... . This elevation results in increased hepatic metabolism of glutamate, leading to release of glucose, lactate, glutamine, and other amino acids, into systemic circulation ... . The pharmacokinetics of glutamate depend on whether it is free or incorporated into protein, and on the presence of other food components. Digestion of protein in the intestinal lumen and at the brush border produces a mixture of small peptides and amino acids; di-and tri-peptides may enter the absorptive cells where intracellular hydrolysis may occur, liberating further amino acids. Defects are known in both amino acid and peptide transport ... .. Glutamic acid in dietary protein, together with endogenous protein secreted into the gut, is digested to free amino acids and small peptides, both of which are absorbed into mucosal cells where peptides are hydrolyzed to free amino acids and some of the glutamate is metabolized. Excess glutamate and other amino acids appear in portal blood. As a consequence of the rapid metabolism of glutamate in intestinal mucosal cells and in the liver, systemic plasma levels are low, even after ingestion of large amounts of dietary protein. /Glutamic acid/
WHO Food Additive Series 22; L-Glutamic Acid and its Ammonium, Calcium, Monosodium and Potassium Salts. Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v22je12.htm
... Intestinal and hepatic metabolism results in elevation of levels in systemic circulation only after extremely high doses given by gavage (>30mg/kg body weight). Ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) was not associated with elevated levels in maternal milk, and glutamate did not readily pass the placental barrier. Human infants metabolized glutamate similarly to adults.
Walker R and Lupien JR; J Nutr 130 (4S Suppl): 1049S-52S (2000)
Oral administration of pharmacologically high doses of glutamate results in elevated plasma levels. The peak plasma glutamate levels are both dose and concentration dependent ... . When the same dose (1 g/kg b.w.) of monosodium glutamate (MSG) was administered by gavage in aqueous solution to neonatal rats, increasing the concentration from 2% to 10% caused a five-fold increase in the plasma area under curve; similar results were observed in mice ... . Conversely, when MSG (1.5 g/kg b.w.) was administered to 43-day-old mice by gavage at varying concentrations of 2 to 20% w/v, no correlation could be established between plasma levels and concentration ...
WHO Food Additive Series 22; L-Glutamic Acid and its Ammonium, Calcium, Monosodium and Potassium Salts. Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v22je12.htm
Administration of a standard dose of 1 g/kg b.w. MSG by gavage as a 10% w/v solution resulted in a marked increase of plasma glutamate in all species studied. Peak plasma glutamate levels were lowest in adult monkeys (6 times fasting levels) and highest in mice (12-35 times fasting levels). Age-related differences between neonates and adults were observed; in mice and rats, peak plasma levels and area under curve were higher in infants than in adults while in guinea pigs the converse was observed.
WHO Food Additive Series 22; L-Glutamic Acid and its Ammonium, Calcium, Monosodium and Potassium Salts. Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v22je12.htm
For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

10.3 Metabolism / Metabolites

Glutamic acid is metabolized in the tissues by oxidative deamination ... or by transamination with pyruvate to yield oxaloacetic acid ... which, via alpha-ketoglutarate, enters the citric acid cycle ... .. Quantitatively minor but physiologically important pathways of glutamate metabolism involve decarboxylation to gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) and amidation to glutamine ... . Decarboxylation to GABA is dependent on pyridoxal phosphate, a coenzyme of glutamic acid decarboxylase ..., as is glutamate transaminase. Vitamin B6-deficient rats have elevated serum glutamate levels and delayed glutamate clearance ... . /Glutamic acid/
WHO Food Additive Series 22; L-Glutamic Acid and its Ammonium, Calcium, Monosodium and Potassium Salts. Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v22je12.htm
Oral dose of 1 g/kg monosodium glutamate given to rats was followed by only a small rise in plasma pyroglutamate levels. No incr of pyroglutamate or glutamate brain levels was observed under these conditions.
CACCIA S ET AL; TOXICOL LETT 10 (2-3): 169 (1982)

10.4 Mechanism of Action

L-Glutamate and GABA supposedly act as excitatory and inhibitory transmitters, respectively, in the central nervous system. Glutamate is also involved in the synthesis of proteins. /Glutamate/
WHO Food Additive Series 22; L-Glutamic Acid and its Ammonium, Calcium, Monosodium and Potassium Salts. Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v22je12.htm

11 Use and Manufacturing

11.1 Uses

Sources/Uses
A naturally occurring amino acid; Used as a flavor enhancer, swine feed additive, and additive to improve taste of bitter drugs; Used therapeutically to reduce blood ammonia levels; [HSDB]
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure
Farming (Feed Additives) [Category: Industry]
Flavor enhancer
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 2006., p. 1080
Medication: Has been used in the treatment of hyperammonemia in conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Reynolds, J.E.F., Prasad, A.B. (eds.) Martindale-The Extra Pharmacopoeia. 28th ed. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1982., p. 59
One of the FLAVORING AGENTS used to impart a meat-like flavor. Medically it has been used to reduce blood ammonia levels in ammoniacal azotemia, therapy of hepatic coma, in psychosis, and mental retardation.
National Library of Medicine - Medical Subject Headings (2007)
Monosodium glutamate has been used as a swine feed additive in the USA since 1963
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V2 421 (1978)
MSG is sometimes used with ordinary sugar to improve the palatability of bitter drugs.
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V2 421 (1978)

11.1.1 Use Classification

Food additives

11.2 Methods of Manufacturing

For industrial production of MSG, molasses and starch hydrolysate are generally used at present as raw materials. ... Ammonium salts and urea are used as nitrogen sources for both microbial growth and product formation. The culture medium becomes acidic because of assimilation of ammonium ions and formation of l-glutamic acid. Gaseous ammonia is used advantageously to maintain neutral pH and to avoid dilution of the broth, because it contains neither hydroxyl ions nor water. ... Progress in fermentation technology has made it possible to raise the accumulation and the yield of l-glutamic acid above 100 g/L and 60%, respectively. The pH of the fermentation broth is adjusted to 3.2 to recover l-glutamic acid crystals, which are then converted to MSG by the same method as in the extraction process.
Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 6th ed.Vol 1: Federal Republic of Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. 2003 to Present, p. V22 357 (2003)
Alkaline hydrolysis of the waste liquor from beet sugar refining; similar hydrolysis of wheat or corn gluten; organic synthesis based on acrylonitrile.
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 14th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2001., p. 1014
FERMENTATION OF GLUCOSE PREPARATIONS UTILIZING A NITROGEN SOURCE
SRI
By fermentation of carbohydrate sources such as sugar beet molasses. By hydrolysis of vegetable proteins. Waste from beet-sugar molasses by acid hydrolysis. By action of Micrococcus glutamicus upon a carbohydrate and subsequent partial neutralization.
Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs and Biologicals. Rahway, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1989., p. 984

11.3 Impurities

Monosodium glutamate is contaminated by sodium chloride, but as a food flavoring material this is generally of no consequence.
CHEMICAL PRODUCTS SYNOPSIS: Monosodium Glutamate, 1984
Limits of impurities: Chlorides, 0.2%; Arsenic, 3 ppm (as As); Heavy metals, 20 ppm; Lead, 10 ppm
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 3rd ed., Volumes 1-26. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1978-1984., p. V2: 418 (1987)

11.4 Formulations / Preparations

Grades: Technical, 99%; new drugs (ND); "Food Chemicals Codex".
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 14th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2001., p. 1014

11.5 Consumption Patterns

Annnual Consumption (U.S.): 31,000,000 lb (From the PAFA database, originating from a NAS survey of 1987 and assumes only 60% of poundage was reported). Individual Consumption: 26.2711 mg/kg/day
Burdock, G.A. (ed.). Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. 4rd Edition, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press 2002.
26% used in dry & wet soup products; 22% in convenience foods; 22% by institutions (hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels, etc); 16% by formulators of flavorings for various end uses; 12% in direct consumer sales; 2% in animal feed to induce early weaning of baby pigs (1975)
SRI
Derivate: Processed Food, 30%; Soups, 25%; Institutional, 25%; Direct Consumer, 15%; Misc, 5% (1983)
CHEMICAL PRODUCTS SYNOPSIS: Monosodium Glutamate, 1984

11.6 U.S. Production

(1972) 2.15X10+10 GRAMS
SRI
(1975) 1.73X10+10 GRAMS
SRI
Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule.
Year
1986
Production Range (pounds)
>1 million - 10 million
Year
1990
Production Range (pounds)
10 thousand - 500 thousand
Year
1994
Production Range (pounds)
>1 million - 10 million
Year
1998
Production Range (pounds)
10 thousand - 500 thousand
Year
2002
Production Range (pounds)
>500 thousand - 1 million
US EPA; Non-confidential Production Volume Information Submitted by Companies for Chemicals Under the 1986-2002 Inventory Update Rule (IUR). L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt (142-47-2). Available from, as of March 1, 2007: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/iur/tools/data/2002-vol.html
This chemical is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).
EPA/Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics; High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program. Available from, as of March 1, 2007: https://www.epa.gov/hpv/pubs/general/opptsrch.htm

11.7 U.S. Imports

(1972) 3.57X10+9 GRAMS
SRI
(1975) 3.5X10+9 GRAMS
SRI

11.8 U.S. Exports

(1972) 2.39X10+9 GRAMS
SRI
(1975) 9.6X10+8 GRAMS
SRI
(1984) 3.56x10+8 g
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS. U.S. EXPORTS, SCHEDULE E, 1984 p.2-81

11.9 General Manufacturing Information

A unique characteristic of the product is its ability to incr salivation.
Merory, J. Food Flavorings: Composition, Manufacture, and Use. 2nd ed. Westport, Conn.: Avi Publishing Co., 1968., p. 291
The flavor of /sulfur-containing cmpd/ ... is usually depressed by the presence of MSG.
Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. Volume 1. Edited, translated, and revised by T.E. Furia and N. Bellanca. 2nd ed. Cleveland: The Chemical Rubber Co., 1975., p. 239
In unsalted chicken bouillon the minimum perceptible taste is lowered to 0.015%, & in carbonated beverages, to only 0.002%.
Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. Volume 1. Edited, translated, and revised by T.E. Furia and N. Bellanca. 2nd ed. Cleveland: The Chemical Rubber Co., 1975., p. 239
Product analysis: calories: 2.88 per g; free moisture: not more than 0.1%; not more than 0.1% as sodium chloride.
Merory, J. Food Flavorings: Composition, Manufacture, and Use. 2nd ed. Westport, Conn.: Avi Publishing Co., 1968., p. 291
For more General Manufacturing Information (Complete) data for MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

11.10 Sampling Procedures

NIOSH Method 173. Analyte: Sodium. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Filter collection, acid digestion Flow Rate: 1.5 L/min. Sample Size: Not specified. /Sodium/
U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present., p. V5 173-1
NIOSH Method 7300. Analyte: Sodium. Matrix: Air. Sampler: Filter (0.8 um, cellulose ester membrane) Flow Rate: 1 to 4 L/min. Sample Size: 500 liters. Shipment: Routine. Sample Stability: Stable. /Sodium/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 3rd ed. Volumes 1 and 2 with 1985 supplement, and revisions. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, February 1984., p. 7300-1

12 Identification

12.1 Analytic Laboratory Methods

A FLUOROMETRIC METHOD WAS USED TO DETERMINE MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE IN FOODS.
ANG KP ET AL; J SINGAPORE NATL ACAD SCI 8: 72 (1981)
NIOSH Method: 173. Analyte: Sodium. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Atomic absorption spectrophotometry. This method has a detection limit of 0.0002 and sensitivity of 0.015 ug/mL. The working range for a precision better than 3% RSD/CV is 0.05-1.0 ug/mL. Interference: Spectral, ionization, chemical and physical interferences. /Sodium/
U.S. Department of Health, Education Welfare, Public Health Service. Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. 2nd ed. Volumes 1-7. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1977-present., p. 173-1
NIOSH Method: 7300. Analyte: Sodium. Matrix: Air. Procedure: Inductively coupled argon plasma, atomic emission spectroscopy. For sodium this method has an estimated detection limit of 10 ng/ml sample. The precision/RSD and the recovery are not determined. Applicability: The working range of this method is 0.005 to 2.0 mg/cu m for each element in a 500 liter air sample. Interferences: Spectral interferences. /Sodium/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, 3rd ed. Volumes 1 and 2 with 1985 supplement, and revisions. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, February 1984., p. 7300-1
Method 3111-Metals A. Direct Aspiration Atomic Absorption Spectrometry is used for the determination of sodium in water and wastewater. Using air/acetylene as the flame gas at a wavelength of 589.0 nm, the detection limit is 0.002 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 0.015 mg/L, at an optimum concentration range of 0.03-1 mg/L. /Sodium/
Franson MA, ed; Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 18th ed p.3-9 (1992)
For more Analytic Laboratory Methods (Complete) data for MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

13 Safety and Hazards

13.1 Hazards Identification

13.1.1 GHS Classification

1 of 2
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Note
This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 100% (25 of 25) of all reports. Pictograms displayed are for < 0.1% (0 of 25) of reports that indicate hazard statements.
GHS Hazard Statements

Not Classified

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 25 of 25 companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

ECHA C&L Notifications Summary

Aggregated GHS information provided per 25 reports by companies from 1 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 25 of 25 reports by companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

There are 0 notifications provided by 0 of 25 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown.

13.1.2 Hazard Classes and Categories

Not Classified

13.1.3 Health Hazards

SYMPTOMS: Large oral doses in humans have provoked burning sensation, facial pressure, chest pains, dyspnea, somnolence, hallucinations, distorted perceptions, nause and vomiting. Susceptible individuals may experience an allergic response.

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This compound emits toxic fumes when heated to decomposition. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.1.4 Fire Hazards

Flash point data are not available for this chemical, but it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.1.5 Hazards Summary

Causes Chinese restaurant syndrome in susceptible individuals after ingestion of large amounts; Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, chest pain, flushing, shuddering (children), and rarely, bronchospasm. The condition is self-limiting within a few hours and occurs in 1-2% of Americans. [Ford, p. 945] Reproductive toxicity when injected into pregnant rodents, but no evidence of effects at low doses as a food additive; [REPROTOX] May cause irritation; [MSDSonline]
Ford - Ford MD, Delaney KA, Ling LJ, Erickson T (eds). Clinical Toxicology. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2001., p. 945
REPROTOX - Scialli AR, Lione A, Boyle Padgett GK. Reproductive Effects of Chemical, Physical, and Biological Agents. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995.

13.2 First Aid Measures

13.2.1 First Aid

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.3 Fire Fighting

Fires involving this compound should be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.4 Accidental Release Measures

13.4.1 Disposal Methods

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

13.5 Handling and Storage

13.5.1 Nonfire Spill Response

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material in a refrigerator. (NTP, 1992)

National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.5.2 Storage Conditions

Store in airtight containers.
Reynolds, J.E.F., Prasad, A.B. (eds.) Martindale-The Extra Pharmacopoeia. 28th ed. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1982., p. 59

13.6 Exposure Control and Personal Protection

13.6.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
National Toxicology Program, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NTP). 1992. National Toxicology Program Chemical Repository Database. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

13.7 Stability and Reactivity

13.7.1 Air and Water Reactions

Water soluble.

13.7.2 Reactive Group

Salts, Acidic

13.7.3 Reactivity Profile

Acidic salts, such as MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.

13.8 Regulatory Information

The Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals
Chemical: L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate
New Zealand EPA Inventory of Chemical Status
L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

13.8.1 FDA Requirements

Glutamate is commonly found in food, primarily from protein sources. Foods and ingredients that contain glutamate as an inherent component are not required to list glutamate on the label. ...When MSG is added to food the FDA requires "monosodium glutamate" to be listed on the label. Other salts of glutamic acid--such as monopotassium glutamate and monoammonium glutamate--also have to be declared on labels and cannot be lumped together under "spices," "natural flavoring" or other general terms.
FDA; MSG: A Common Flavor Enhancer in FDA Consumer (January-February 2003) Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fdacmsg.html
It is impracticable to list all substances that are generally recognized as safe for their intended use. However, by way of illustration, the Commissioner regards such common food ingredients as salt, pepper, vinegar, baking powder, and monosodium glutamate as safe for their intended use.
21 CFR 182.1; U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of March 1, 2007: https://www.ecfr.gov

13.9 Other Safety Information

Chemical Assessment

IMAP assessments - L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate: Human health tier I assessment

IMAP assessments - L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate: Environment tier I assessment

13.9.1 Special Reports

WHO Food Additive Series 22; L-Glutamic Acid and its Ammonium, Calcium, Monosodium and Potassium Salts (1988). Available at http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v22je12.htm as of March 20, 2007. These substances were evaluated at the 14th, 17th, and 22nd meetings of the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Information in this monograph summarized and incorporates all information available to the 22nd committee.
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS No.142-47-2). Available from the database query page: http://ecb.jrc.it/esis/esis.php as of January 22, 2007.
Zautcke JL et al; Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, Ann Emerg Med 15 (10): 1210-3 (1986).

14 Toxicity

14.1 Toxicological Information

14.1.1 Toxicity Summary

L-Glutamic acid and its ammonium, calcium, monosodium and potassium salts were evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) in 1988. The Committee noted that intestinal and hepatic metabolism results in elevation of levels in systemic circulation only after extremely high doses given by gavage (>30mg/kg body weight). Ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) was not associated with elevated levels in maternal milk, and glutamate did not readily pass the placental barrier. Human infants metabolized glutamate similarly to adults. Conventional toxicity studies using dietary administration of MSG in several species did not reveal any specific toxic or carcinogenic effects nor were there any adverse outcomes in reproduction and teratology studies. Attention was paid to central nervous system lesions produced in several species after parenteral administration of MSG or as a consequence of very high doses by gavage. Comparative studies indicated that the neonatal mouse was most sensitive to neuronal injury; older animals and other species (including primates) were less so. Blood levels of glutamate associated with lesions of the hypothalamus in the neonatal mouse were not approached in humans even after bolus doses of 10 g MSG in drinking water. Because human studies failed to confirm an involvement of MSG in "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" or other idiosyncratic intolerance, the JECFA allocated an "acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specified" to glutamic acid and its salts. No additional risk to infants was indicated. The Scientific Committee for Food (SCF) of the European Commission reached a similar evaluation in 1991. The conclusions of a subsequent review by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) did not discount the existence of a sensitive subpopulation but otherwise concurred with the safety evaluation of JECFA and the SCF.
Walker R and Lupien JR; J Nutr 130 (4S Suppl): 1049S-52S (2000)

14.1.2 Interactions

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) administered intraperitoneally /for 10 days/ at a dose of 4 mg/g bw markedly increase malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in the liver, the kidney and brain of rats. Simultaneous administration of VIT C, VIT E and quercetin to MSG-treated rats significantly reduced this increase in MDA induced by MSG. VIT E reduced lipid peroxidation mostly in the liver followed by VIT C and then quercetin, while VIT C and quercetin showed a greater ability to protect the brain from membrane damage than VIT E. The decreased glutathione (GSH) level elicited by MSG in the three organs corresponded with marked increase in the activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST). While MSG increased (p < 0.001) the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver, it decreased significantly the activities of these enzymes in the kidney and the brain. The three antioxidants were effective at ameliorating the effects of MSG on GSH levels and the enzymes in the three organs examined. While MSG increased the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase in the liver and kidneys of rats (p < 0.001), the activity of the enzyme was abysmally low in the brain. There were marked increases in the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in rats treated with MSG. The antioxidants tested protected against MSG-induced liver toxicity significantly. MSG at a dose of 4 mg/g significantly (p < 0.01) induced the formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs). Co-treatment of rats with VIT C and quercetin inhibited the induction of MNPCEs by MSG (p < 0.001) ...
Farombi EO amd Onyema OO; Hum Exp Toxicol 25 (5): 251-9 (2006)

14.1.3 Antidote and Emergency Treatment

/SRP Idiosyncratic reaction/: No decontamination measures have been reported. No antidotes exist. Supportive measures: Follow with ECG and cardiac evaluation if chest pain persists. Alert patient to avoid foods with MSG.
Ellenhorn, M.J. and D.G. Barceloux. Medical Toxicology - Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisoning. New York, NY: Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc. 1988., p. 1204

14.1.4 Human Toxicity Excerpts

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... A high dose of 2.5 g was tested in 6 healthy controls and 30 asthmatics (7: allergic asthma; 15: intrinsic asthma with intolerance to aspirin; 8: intrinsic asthma with aspirin intolerance, intolerance to alcohol or to food additives). Two patients presented with a mild bronchospasm, occurring 6 to 10 hours after the ingestion. Different mechanisms are discussed. A cholinergic mechanism might be incriminated, either due to stimulation of the synthesis of acetylcholine, or due to a vagal reflex elicited by a reflux esophagitis. However, a high vagal hyperreactivity seems to be needed for the occurrence of asthma. It is concluded that a very small subset of patients with intrinsic asthma might present with an intolerance to monosodium glutamate if high doses are consumed.
Moneret - Vautrin DA; Allerg Immunol (Paris) 19 (1): 29-35 (1987)
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Monosodium glutamate is widely regarded as the provocative agent in the "Chinese restaurant syndrome," of which flushing is regarded as part of the reaction. Six subjects were monitored by laser Doppler velocimetry for changes in facial cutaneous blood flow during challenge with monosodium glutamate and its cyclization product, pyroglutamate. Additionally, records of patients challenged with monosodium glutamate in the laboratory were reviewed. No flushing was provoked among the twenty four people tested, eighteen of whom gave a positive history of Chinese restaurant syndrome flushing. These results indicate that monosodium glutamate provoked flushing, if it exists at all, must be rare. Monosodium glutamate and its cyclization product, pyroglutamate, may provoke edema and associated symptoms.
Wilkin JK; J Am Acad Dermatol 15 (2): 225-30 (1986)
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ /The objective of this study was/ to determine whether monosodium glutamate (MSG) would induce bronchoconstriction in a group of adults with asthma who perceived that they were MSG sensitive. Twelve subjects (seven women, mean age 35.3 years) with clinically documented asthma and a perception of MSG-induced asthma were recruited. FEV1 and peak expiratory flow data were obtained for 3 whole control days, as well as time-matched data for 3 separate challenge days (1 g MSG, 5 g MSG, and 5 g lactose [placebo]). Opaque capsule challenges were given as a single dose in the morning after an overnight fast. Subjects complied with an elimination diet throughout the study. Nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness was measured at baseline, after the control days, and at the conclusion of the challenges. Venous blood samples were taken at baseline and on each challenge day to determine soluble inflammatory marker (eosinophil cationic protein and tryptase) activity. No immediate or definite late asthmatic reactions occurred. One subject's FEV1 declined more than 15% on MSG challenge, but 95% confidence limits for the control-day spirometry showed that this decline was within her daily variation. ... No significant changes in bronchial hyperresponsiveness or soluble inflammatory markers were found.
Woods RK et al; J Allergy Clin Immunol 101 (6 Pt1): 762-71 (1998)
/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ This study sought to determine the prevalence of reactions to additives, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), in patients with chronic urticaria using a rigorous protocol. Sixty-five subjects (44 women, 21 men; ages 14-67) /were studied/. All had urticaria for >6 wk without discernible etiology. Subjects with active urticaria were studied while they were taking the lowest effective dose of antihistamine. Screening challenges to the 11 additives most commonly associated with exacerbations of chronic idiopathic urticaria were performed in a single-blind fashion. The dose of MSG given was 2500 mg. Skin scores were obtained to determine a positive reaction in an objective manner. Subjects with a positive screening challenge were rechallenged (at least 2 wk later) with a double-blind, placebo-controlled protocol as in-patients in our General Clinical Research Center. Two subjects had positive single-blind, placebo-controlled challenges, but neither had a positive double-blind, placebo-controlled challenge. It is concluded, with 95% confidence, that MSG is an unusual (<3% at most) exacerbant of chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Simon RA; J Nutr 130 (4S Suppli): 1063S-6S (2000)
For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (21 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.5 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Monosodium glutamate was not sensitizing in the guinea pig maximization test. /from table/
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS No.142-47-2). Available from, as of January 22, 2007: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Monosodium glutamate was described as not irritating in the rabbit test according to the EEC method described in the annex to directive 92/69/EEC, part B, Method B4.
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS No.142-47-2). Available from, as of January 22, 2007: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Groups of 10-12-day old Swiss Webster albino mice, each containing 7-23 animals, were given single oral doses of MSG at levels of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg. Groups of 2 or 4 mice of the same age were given single oral doses of either 1.0 or 3.0 g/kg L-glutamic acid or monosodium-L-aspartate or 3.0 g/kg L-glutamate-L-aspartate, monosodium glutamate, NaCl, L-glycine, L-serine, L-alanine, L-leucine, D,L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-proline, L-lysine, L-arginine, or L-cysteine. The animals were sacrificed after dosing and brains were examined by either light or electron microscopy. The severity of brain damage was estimated by quantifying the pathological changes in the hypothalamus. One g/kg of glutamic acid destroyed approximately the same number of hypothalamic neurons as a comparable dose of MSG. Of the amino acids tested, only aspartate and cysteine produced hypothalamic damage. These amino acids caused both retinal and hypothalamic lesions similar to those found after treatment with MSG.
WHO Food Additive Series 22; L-Glutamic Acid and its Ammonium, Calcium, Monosodium and Potassium Salts. Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v22je12.htm
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ At birth, the rat brain glutamate concentration is about 4 mM and increases over a period of 20 days to the adult value of approximately 10 mM. When a 4 g/kg dose was given intragastrically, convulsions were seldom observed, and then only after 90 minutes. Two g/kg MSG given intraperitoneally always caused convulsions. When young rats were given 4 g/kg MSG, monosodium aspartate, or glycine, the glutamine level was increased significantly in the brain in all cases, but only monosodium glutamate and aspartate caused convulsions. D-Glutamate (4 g/kg), which is not deaminated by the rat, also caused convulsions. These results suggest that the convulsions caused by MSG are not due to liberated ammonia, but rather to the amino acid anion. At 4 g/kg, MSG gave rise to serum concentrations of glutamate of about 70 mM, strongly suggesting osmotic problems.
WHO Food Additive Series 22; L-Glutamic Acid and its Ammonium, Calcium, Monosodium and Potassium Salts. Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v22je12.htm
For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (75 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.6 Non-Human Toxicity Values

LD50 Rat female oral 15800 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS No.142-47-2). Available from, as of January 22, 2007: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
LD50 Rat male oral 17300 mg/kg/day
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS No.142-47-2). Available from, as of January 22, 2007: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
LD50 Mouse male oral 17700 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS No.142-47-2). Available from, as of January 22, 2007: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
LD50 Mouse female oral 16400 mg/kg bw
European Chemicals Bureau; IUCLID Dataset, Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS No.142-47-2). Available from, as of January 22, 2007: https://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
For more Non-Human Toxicity Values (Complete) data for MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (24 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

14.1.7 National Toxicology Program Studies

Monosodium glutamate tested negative in mutagenicity studies with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100, TA1535 in the presence or absence of 10 or 30% of S9 in the S9 mixture (metabolic activation enzymes and cofactors from Aroclor 1254-induced male Sprague-Dawley rat or Syrian hamster liver) that was added to cultures. /From table/
DHHS/NTP; Genetic Toxicity Study of Monosodium glutamate (1988) Study # 481338. Available from, as of February 21, 2007: https://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=salmonella.overallresults&cas_no=142-47-2&endpointlist=SA

14.1.8 Populations at Special Risk

The FASEB report identifies two groups of people who may develop a condition the report refers to as "MSG symptom complex." One group is those who may be intolerant to MSG when eaten in a large quantity. The second is a group of people with severe, poorly controlled asthma. These people, in addition to being prone to MSG symptom complex, may suffer temporary worsening of asthmatic symptoms after consuming MSG. The MSG dosage that produced reactions in these people ranged from 0.5 grams to 2.5 grams.
FDA; FDA and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)in FDA Backgrounder. August 31, 1995. Available from, as of March 20, 2007: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/msg.html
Biochemical evidence for the deficiency of vitamin B6 is given for subjects reacting to monosodium l-glutamate
FOLKERS K ET AL; BIOCHEM BIOPHYS RES COMMUN VOL 100 (3): 972 (1981)

14.2 Ecological Information

14.2.1 Ecotoxicity Excerpts

/PLANTS/ To make a comprehensive assessment on monosodium glutamate wastewater pollution, a pollution exposure experiment was carried out on the seed germination and root elongation of wheat, Chinese cabbage and tomato by using the wastewater discharged from different processing phases of monosodium glutamate production. The results showed that there were significantly positive linear relationships between the inhibition rates of wheat seed germination and root elongation and the COD(Cr) of mother liquor scraps. The toxicity of monosodium glutamate wastewater to the test crops was in the order of tomato > Chinese cabbage > wheat, indicating that tomato was most sensitive to the wastewater, and could be considered as an ideal toxic bioindicator. The half-effect concentration (IC50) based on the seed germination and root elongation of test crops exposed to the wastewater discharged from various processing phases of monosodium glutamate production was 22.0 to approximately 32432 mg/L and 17.3 to approximately 3320 mg/L, respectively.
Liu R et al; Ying yong sheng tai xue bao (The journal of applied ecology) 17 (7):1286-90 (2006)

14.2.2 Environmental Fate / Exposure Summary

Monosodium glutamate's production and use as a food additive, may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, monosodium glutamate will exist solely in the particulate phase in the atmosphere since it is a salt. Particulate-phase monosodium glutamate will be removed from the atmosphere by wet or dry deposition. Monosodium glutamate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight. If released to soil, monosodium glutamate is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 4. Volatilization from soil and water surfaces will not occur since monosodium glutamate is a salt. Several genera of bacteria have been shown to possess enzymatic capability to degrade l-glutamic acid and monosodium glutamate was readily degraded in sediment/water microcosms using both seawater and estuarine water. If released into water, monosodium glutamate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. An estimated BCF of 1 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Occupational exposure to monosodium glutamate may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where monosodium glutamate is produced or used. The general population is exposed to monosodium glutamate primarily via ingestion of food products containing this additive. (SRC)

14.2.3 Natural Pollution Sources

Sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the common naturally occurring amino acids.
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 14th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2001., p. 1014

14.2.4 Artificial Pollution Sources

Monosodium glutamate's production and use as a food additive(1), may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).
(1) Kawakita T; Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (2005). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons; L-Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Online Posting Date: Dec 4, 2000.

14.2.5 Environmental Fate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 4(SRC), determined from a water solubility of 3.85X10+5 mg/L(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that monosodium glutamate is expected to possess very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization will not be an important fate process because salts do not volatilize. Monosodium glutamate degraded rapidly using marine water/sediment and estuarine water/sediment microcosms(4), suggesting biodegradation will occur readily in soil.
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) Yoshida T; Kirk-Othmer Encycl Chem Tech. 3rd NY: Wiley 2: 410-21 (1978)
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 5-5 (1990)
(4) Wirsen CO, Jannasch HW; Microbiol Ecology 1: 25-37 (1974)
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 4(SRC), determined from a water solubility of 3.85X10+5 mg/L(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that monosodium glutamate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization in water will not be an important fate process because monosodium glutamate will form the sodium and glutamate ions in water which do not volatilize. According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 1(SRC), from the water solubility(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Monosodium glutamate degraded rapidly using marine water/sediment and estuarine water/sediment microcosms(5).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) Yoshida T; Kirk-Othmer Encycl Chem Tech. 3rd NY: Wiley 2: 410-21 (1978)
(3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 5-5 (1990)
(4) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)
(5) Wirsen CO, Jannasch HW; Microbiol Ecology 1: 25-37 (1974)
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid and will exist in the particulate phase if released to the atmosphere. Particulate-phase monosodium glutamate may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition. (SRC)

14.2.6 Environmental Biodegradation

The following genera of bacteria have the enzymatic capability to degrade L-glutamic acid: Micrococcus, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Arthrobacter and Microbacterium(1). Grab sample data, using radiolabeled monosodium glutamate and deep sea water and coastal estuarine water with their respective sediments, demonstrated that the glutamate ion should biodegrade rapidly in the environment(2). Samples were incubated for 19 days at temperatures from -1.5 to 1.5 °C. Rates of uptake were measured with overall utilization of the substrate. At a concentration of 240 ug/120 mL, 5.46 ug monosodium glutamate/day was incorporated into the microbial population while a total of 16.07 ug/day were metabolized. At a concentration of 600 ug/120 mL, 12.0 ug monosodium glutamate/day was incorporated into the microbial population while a total of 40.15 ug/day were metabolized. At a concentration of 1200 ug/120 mL, 23.19 ug monosodium glutamate/day was incorporated into the microbial population while a total of 84.46 ug/day were metabolized. At a concentration of 3600 ug/120 mL, 36.76 ug monosodium glutamate/day was incorporated into the microbial population while a total of 123.46 ug/day was metabolized(2).
(1) Yoshida T; Kirk-Othmer Encycl Chem Tech. 3rd NY: Wiley 2: 410-21 (1978)
(2) Wirsen CO, Jannasch HW; Microbial Ecology 1: 25-37 (1974)

14.2.7 Environmental Abiotic Degradation

Monosodium glutamate is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(1). Monosodium glutamate does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(1).
(1) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5, 8-12 (1990)

14.2.8 Environmental Bioconcentration

An estimated BCF of 1 was calculated in fish for monosodium glutamate(SRC), using a water solubility of 3.85X10+5 mg/L(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
(1) Yoshida T; Kirk-Othmer Encycl Chem Tech. 3rd NY: Wiley 2: 410-21 (1978)
(2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 5-5 (1990)
(3) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)

14.2.9 Soil Adsorption / Mobility

The Koc of monosodium glutamate is estimated as 4(SRC), using a water solubility of 3.85X10+5 mg/L(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that monosodium glutamate is expected to have very high mobility in soil.
(1) Yoshida T; Kirk-Othmer Encycl Chem Tech. 3rd NY: Wiley 2: 410-21 (1978)
(2) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9 (1990)
(3) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)

14.2.10 Volatilization from Water / Soil

Monosodium glutamate is the monosodium salt of glutamic acid(1). Volatilization from soil and water surfaces will not be an important environmental fate process since salts do not volatilize(SRC).
(1) Kawakita T; Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (2005). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons; L-Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Online Posting Date: December 4, 2000.

14.2.11 Food Survey Values

Monosodium glutamate is used in large quantities as a flavor enhancer throughout the world(1). Monosodium glutamate was identified in 502 food products in a National Food Survey conducted in the UK in 1990(2). The mean percentage of monosodium glutamate contained in the various food items ranged from 0.06% in cured pork to 8.7% in meat and yeast extracts(2).
(1) Kawakita T; Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (2005). NY, NY: John Wiley & Sons; L-Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Online Posting Date: December 4, 2000.
(2) Rhodes J et al; Food Addit Contam 8: 663-672 (1991)

14.2.12 Probable Routes of Human Exposure

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 60,341 workers (22,829 of these are female) are potentially exposed to monosodium glutamate in the US(1). Occupational exposure to monosodium glutamate may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where monosodium glutamate is produced or used(SRC). The general population is exposed to monosodium glutamate primarily via ingestion of food products containing this additive(SRC).
(1) NIOSH; NOES. National Occupational Exposure Survey conducted from 1981-1983. Estimated numbers of employees potentially exposed to specific agents by 2-digit standard industrial classification (SIC). Available at https://www.cdc.gov/noes/ as of Jan 4, 2007.

14.2.13 Average Daily Intake

The estimated intake of monosodium glutamate for the general population of the UK was estimated as 1.56 grams per week in a National Food Survey conducted in 1990(1).
(1) Rhodes J et al; Food Addit Contam 8: 663-672 (1991)

15 Literature

15.1 Consolidated References

15.2 NLM Curated PubMed Citations

15.3 Springer Nature References

15.4 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Literature

15.5 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Literature

15.6 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Literature

16 Patents

16.1 Depositor-Supplied Patent Identifiers

16.2 WIPO PATENTSCOPE

16.3 Chemical Co-Occurrences in Patents

16.4 Chemical-Disease Co-Occurrences in Patents

16.5 Chemical-Gene Co-Occurrences in Patents

17 Classification

17.1 MeSH Tree

17.2 CAMEO Chemicals

17.3 UN GHS Classification

17.4 NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification

17.5 EPA DSSTox Classification

18 Information Sources

  1. Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS)
    L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate
    https://services.industrialchemicals.gov.au/search-assessments/
    L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt, monohydrate
    https://services.industrialchemicals.gov.au/search-inventory/
  2. CAMEO Chemicals
    LICENSE
    CAMEO Chemicals and all other CAMEO products are available at no charge to those organizations and individuals (recipients) responsible for the safe handling of chemicals. However, some of the chemical data itself is subject to the copyright restrictions of the companies or organizations that provided the data.
    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/help/reference/terms_and_conditions.htm?d_f=false
    CAMEO Chemical Reactivity Classification
    https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/browse/react
  3. EPA DSSTox
    CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Chemical Lists
    https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical-lists/
  4. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
    LICENSE
    Use of the information, documents and data from the ECHA website is subject to the terms and conditions of this Legal Notice, and subject to other binding limitations provided for under applicable law, the information, documents and data made available on the ECHA website may be reproduced, distributed and/or used, totally or in part, for non-commercial purposes provided that ECHA is acknowledged as the source: "Source: European Chemicals Agency, http://echa.europa.eu/". Such acknowledgement must be included in each copy of the material. ECHA permits and encourages organisations and individuals to create links to the ECHA website under the following cumulative conditions: Links can only be made to webpages that provide a link to the Legal Notice page.
    https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/legal-notice
  5. Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  6. New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
    LICENSE
    This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International licence.
    https://www.epa.govt.nz/about-this-site/general-copyright-statement/
  7. EU Food Improvement Agents
  8. Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
    LICENSE
    Copyright (c) 2022 Haz-Map(R). All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials from Haz-Map are copyrighted by Haz-Map(R). No part of these materials, either text or image may be used for any purpose other than for personal use. Therefore, reproduction, modification, storage in a retrieval system or retransmission, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, for reasons other than personal use, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
    https://haz-map.com/About
  9. ChEMBL
    LICENSE
    Access to the web interface of ChEMBL is made under the EBI's Terms of Use (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Information/termsofuse.html). The ChEMBL data is made available on a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/).
    http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Information/termsofuse.html
  10. ClinicalTrials.gov
    LICENSE
    The ClinicalTrials.gov data carry an international copyright outside the United States and its Territories or Possessions. Some ClinicalTrials.gov data may be subject to the copyright of third parties; you should consult these entities for any additional terms of use.
    https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/about-site/terms-conditions#Use
  11. DailyMed
  12. FDA Substances Added to Food
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  13. Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA)
  14. National Drug Code (NDC) Directory
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise noted, the contents of the FDA website (www.fda.gov), both text and graphics, are not copyrighted. They are in the public domain and may be republished, reprinted and otherwise used freely by anyone without the need to obtain permission from FDA. Credit to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source is appreciated but not required.
    https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/about-website/website-policies#linking
  15. NCI Thesaurus (NCIt)
    LICENSE
    Unless otherwise indicated, all text within NCI products is free of copyright and may be reused without our permission. Credit the National Cancer Institute as the source.
    https://www.cancer.gov/policies/copyright-reuse
  16. NIPH Clinical Trials Search of Japan
  17. NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
    LICENSE
    Data: CC-BY 4.0; Code (hosted by ECI, LCSB): Artistic-2.0
    https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
    NORMAN Suspect List Exchange Classification
    https://www.norman-network.com/nds/SLE/
  18. SpectraBase
    L-GLUTAMIC ACID, 5-SODIUM SALT, MONOHYDRATE
    https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/GOhJ6cRdS3z
    L-glutamic acid, 5-sodium salt, monohydrate
    https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/x9CbCPLuBI
    L-GLUTAMIC ACID, 5-SODIUM SALT, MONOHYDRATE
    https://spectrabase.com/spectrum/321PTVK3Kmk
  19. Springer Nature
  20. Wikidata
    L(+)-Monosodium glutamate monohydrate
    https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q72492649
  21. Wikipedia
  22. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
    LICENSE
    Works produced by the U.S. government are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any such works found on National Library of Medicine (NLM) Web sites may be freely used or reproduced without permission in the U.S.
    https://www.nlm.nih.gov/copyright.html
  23. PubChem
  24. GHS Classification (UNECE)
  25. PATENTSCOPE (WIPO)
CONTENTS