Glycerol Esters Of Wood Rosin

Glycerol ester of wood rosin, also known as glyceryl abietate or ester gum, is an oil-soluble food additive (E number E445). The food-grade material is used in foods, beverages, and cosmetics to keep oils in suspension in water.^[1] It is also used as an ingredient in the production of chewing-gum and ice cream. Similar, less pure materials (glycerol ester of gum rosin) are used as a component of certain low-cost adhesives.^[2]

To make the glycerol ester of wood rosin, refined wood rosin is reacted with glycerin to produce the glycerol ester.

Glycerol ester of wood rosin is an alternative to brominated vegetable oil in citrus oil-flavored soft drinks. In some cases both ingredients are used together.

ITEMS	STANDARD
Appearance	Hard, yellow to pale amber-colored resin
Identification	Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in acetone
Identification	Infrared absorption spectrum: Characteristic of the compound
Ring and ball softening range (℃)	82- 90
Acid value (mg KOH/g)	3-9
Specific gravity (25℃)	1.080- 1.090
Ash (%)	=< 0.1
Lead (Pb)	=<2 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)	=<3 mg/kg
Mercury (Hg)	=<1 mg/kg
Cadmium (Cd)	=<1 mg/kg
Total heavy metals(as Pb)	=<10 mg/kg
Total plate count	=< 5000 cfu/g
Yeast & mould	=< 500 cfu/g
Salmonella/ 10g	Negative
E. Coli/ 5g	Negative