| Monosodium glutamate | |
|---|---|
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 142-47-2  |
| PubChem | 85314 |
| ChemSpider | 76943 |
| UNII | C3C196L9FG |
| EC-number | 205-538-1 |
| Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C5H8NNaO4 |
| Molar mass | 169.111 g/mol |
| Appearance | white crystalline powder |
| Melting point | 232 °C, 505 K, 450 °F |
| Solubility in water | 74g/100mL |
| Hazards | |
| LD50 | 16600 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
 (verify) (what is:  / ?)Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Ajinomoto Co. Inc. (味の素株式会社, Ajinomoto Kabushiki-gaisha) (TYO: 2802), is a Japanese food and chemical corporation which produces seasonings, cooking oils, TV dinners, sweeteners, amino acids and pharmaceuticals. In particular it is the world's largest producer of aspartame, with a 40% global market share.[1]
The literal translation of Aji no Moto is “Essence of Taste,” used as a trademark for the company’s original monosodium glutamate (MSG) product.[2] Thanks to the company's eminent status, its brand has found its way even to notable Asian language dictionaries as a half-synonym for MSG.
As of Feb 2009, Ajinomoto produces around 33% of the world’s MSG.[citation needed] Its head office is located in Chūō,Tokyo.[3]
Ajinomoto is active in 100 countries and regions worldwide, employing around 24,861 people as of 2004. Its yearly revenue stands at around US$9 billion.
