The main component of monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamate, which is also the trade name and common name of monosodium glutamate. It is also known as flavor powder, flavor extract, monosodium glutamate, and sodium glutamate, and is a type of flavoring agent. The chemical formula is C5H8O4NNa, with a molar mass of 169.111g/mol and a melting point of 232 ℃. Usually white crystals or powders, odorless, and light stable.

Appearance: White crystalline or crystalline powder, soluble in water, odorless, non-toxic, almost insoluble in methanol, ethanol, ether, benzene, acetone, ethyl acetate, chloroform and ethyl ethanol, odorless, slightly sweet. The melting point is between 185-186 ℃.

Stable in neutral solution, easily decomposed into glutamic acid alcohol or propyl ester in alcohol, alkali or hot water, odorless, with a slight sweet taste.

When heated above 232 ℃, this compound will decompose and release toxic gases containing nitrogen and sodium oxides.

The pH value of monosodium glutamate solution is 6.7-7.2.