Dodecyl Gallate
The short version
The C12-ester of gallic acid — the most lipid-soluble of the food gallates.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Manufactured by esterification of gallic acid with 1-dodecanol. The longest of the food-grade gallate alkyl chains, giving the highest fat-phase partitioning.
How it's used
Used in edible oils, lard, tallow, and snack frying fats where its strong lipid-phase partitioning gives maximum interfacial protection. Lower water solubility than propyl or octyl gallate.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–0.5 mg/kg body weight (combined gallates). Considered safe within ADI; rare contact-sensitivity reports as with other gallates.
Physical & chemical properties
Off-white to pale tan crystalline powder. Practically insoluble in water; soluble in fats, oils, and warm alcohols. Higher melting point than propyl gallate.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the EU and most jurisdictions. Like other synthetic phenolic antioxidants, use is declining as clean-label alternatives (rosemary E392) gain market share.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.