Monosodium Glutamate

What is Monosodium Glutamate?

Molecular Formula (Monosodium Glutamate): C₅H₈NaNO₄.H₂O or C₅H₈NNaO₄

Molecular Weight: 169.112 g/mol

Chemical Name: L-Glutamic Acid, Monosodium salt

CAS Number: 142-47-2

It is a chemical compound that is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, which is an amino acid. Glutamic Acid is found among the components of many proteins such as dairy products, meat, legumes, and mushrooms.

It is in the form of a white crystalline powder with a slight or peptone-like odor. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) intensifies and enhances flavor. However, it does not affect unique flavors.

It can be found in amino acid form or in free form.

Monosodium glutamate is present in many processed foods found in markets.

Monosodium glutamate formula: C5H8NaNO4.H2O

E Code: E 621.

Other Names are as Follows;

• Monosodium Glutamate
• Chinese salt
• MSG
• Glutamic Acid, Sodium Salt
• DL-Monosodium Glutamate
• Sodium Acid L-Glutamate
• Sodium L-Glutamate
• 142-47-2
• L(+) Sodium Glutamate
• Sodium L-Hydrogen Glutamate
• Glutamate Sodium
• Glutamic Acid, L-, monosodium salt
• E 621

How is it Produced?

The answer to the question of how monosodium glutamate is obtained is as follows.

Firstly, in the case of obtaining it from beet sugar solution, it is the production of Glutamic Acid via an organic method. There are many organic chemicals with complex structures within such raw materials. Therefore, separation and purification is a very complex process.

The substances used in obtaining Monosodium glutamate are corn gluten, wheat gluten, plant protein, and sugar beet.

Industrial production of Monosodium Glutamate is carried out with the hydrolyzate of molasses and starches. During the production process of this chemical, it becomes acidic thanks to the culture medium, assimilation of ammonium ions, and formation of L-Glutamic acid.

In the production process of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the advantages of gaseous Ammonia are utilized to maintain neutral pH and prevent watering. Neither hydroxyl ions nor water are present at this stage.

Fermentation technology advancements have been utilized in the MSG production process. Technological expertise plays a major role in increasing the yield of L-Glutamic acid. During production, the pH of the fermentation mixture is adjusted to 3.2 for the recovery of Glutamic Acid crystals. In the subsequent process, Monosodium Glutamate is obtained through the extraction process.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties of Monosodium Glutamate?

It is in white crystalline solid form.

In terms of solubility, it has the property of being easily soluble in water. It is an odorless chemical. It is almost insoluble in Ethanol and Ether.

Boiling point is 225 °C.

Melting Point is 450 °F.

In case of decomposition, it emits sodium oxide and nitrogen fumes.

A 5% solution of Glutamate has a pH between 6.7 and 7.2.

Density: 1.62 g/cm³.

How is the Functionality of Monosodium Glutamate as a Nutrient?

MSG is a chemical that affects many basic events in intermediary metabolism and adds functionality to the body's tissues and some organs. Approximately 4.8 g of glutamate is used cyclically every day in adult individuals.

Some Features in Metabolism are as Follows

1. L-glutamic acid is a substrate that functions in protein synthesis. It affects the secondary structure of proteins.
2. As a transamination partner in alpha-ketoglutarates. Thanks to this reaction catalyzed by L-glutamate dehydrogenase, the biosynthesis of many amino acids is carried out.
3. It enables the synthesis of Glutamine from Glutamate. In this way, it ensures its transport in the blood. Therefore, it is a very important reaction due to its effectiveness in glutamine formation.
4. It has a neurotransmitter effect. It makes synaptic transmission faster by stimulating the central nervous system.
5. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) acts as an energy source for some tissues. It functions as an energy source in intestinal tissues.

Effect of Glutamate in Foods

Pure monosodium glutamate does not have a good taste when used alone. However, when blended with a flavoring aroma, it creates a good taste. It has been determined that when Monosodium Glutamate is combined with a delicious taste, it activates flavor-taste components.

The sodium (Na) content by mass of Monosodium Glutamate is around 12% compared to Sodium Chloride. The sodium (Na) content by mass in Sodium Chloride is around 39%. This means that the Sodium (Na) value is approximately 3 times lower.

The usage concentration of Monosodium Glutamate varies according to foods. If addition is made above the optimum usage rate, flavor yield decreases rapidly. For example, if the monosodium glutamate ratio in soups is above 1 g/100 ml, the flavor level decreases.

What are the Usage Areas of Monosodium Glutamate?

• It is one of the most commonly used food additives in commercial foods. It is found in processed foods.
• Monosodium glutamate is used to give aroma to processed foods.
• It is used as a flavor enhancer.
• Glutamate is used to give foods a meaty, salty, and brothy taste by stimulating glutamate receptors on the tongue.
• Among the usage areas, hydrolyzed vegetable protein is generally used as an ingredient in foods to give a meaty or salty flavor.
• It can be used as a filler in industry. It is used in the manufacture of some structures and construction materials.
• Omega 3 Fatty Acid is among the fatty acids that have a great effect on helping people be healthy. Omega 3 Fatty Acid is used in blood clotting, anti-inflammatory, and rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Fish oil, from which Omega 3 fatty acid is obtained, needs to be refined due to its spoilage and odor. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is used in the refining of fish oil.
• Used in cracker production, frozen items, canned and tuna production.
• For masking the bitter taste found in Caffeine, an aqueous solution of Glutamic Acid or Monosodium Glutamate, the monosodium salt of Glutamic Acid, is used.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

Glutamate (MSG) price is directly proportional to the prices of substances used in MSG production. As the prices of the raw materials here increase, the price of this chemical will increase.

Prices are directly proportional to the area of use. As usage areas increase, the price of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) will increase. Since the production of this chemical will not meet the demand, it will increase the prices.

Prices also depend on the stocks of companies selling Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). As stocks increase, the price of the chemical will decrease.