Lysolecithin is an enzyme-modified lecithin, phosphoglyceride, obtained by a process of hydrolysis from lecithin (GMO and non-GMO).

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• "Lys" comes from the word "lysis", meaning splitting or breaking. In this context, it indicates that one of the acyl chains of the original lecithin has been removed.
• "Lecithin" is a generic term that refers to a variety of lipid compounds, mainly phosphatidylcholine, that are present in many plants and animals. It's a natural emulsifying agent.

Description of the raw materials used in its production.

• Lecithin. This is a natural phospholipid primarily extracted from soy or eggs. It serves as the primary precursor for the production of lysolecithin.
• Water. Used as a solvent and reaction medium.
• Enzymes. Specific enzymes, like phospholipases, are used to hydrolyze lecithin to produce lysolecithin.

Step-by-step summary of its industrial chemical synthesis process. 

• Mixture Preparation. Lecithin is dissolved in water to form a solution.
• Enzymatic Hydrolysis. Enzymes are added to the lecithin solution, initiating the hydrolysis reaction.
• Separation. Once the reaction is complete, the lysolecithin is separated from the mixture.
• Purification. The lysolecithin is purified to remove any impurities.
• Drying. The purified lysolecithin is dried to remove any remaining moisture.

It has recently changed its name to lysophosphatidylcholines.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Used in cosmetics in shampoos, liquid soaps and toothpastes in a maximum concentration of 0.2% (1). Emulsifiers have the property of directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.

Lysolecithin  studies

Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₂₂NO₇P

Molecular Weight: 299.26 g/mol

CAS       85711-58-6

EC Number:  288-318-8

Synonyms:

• Lysophosphatidylcholine
• L-ALPHA-LYSOPHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE
• 1-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
• [(2R)-3-acetyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl] 2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl phosphate
• 3,5,9-Trioxa-4-phosphaundecan-1-aminium, 4,7-dihydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-10-oxo-, inner salt, 4-oxide, (R)-