Sorbitan monostearate

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Sorbitan monostearate
IUPAC name Octadecanoic acid [2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-tetrahydrofuranyl]-2-hydroxyethyl] ester
Other names Span 60
Identifiers
CAS number [1338-41-6]
PubChem 14928
SMILES CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC([C@@H]1[C@H]([C@@H](CO1)O)O)O
Properties
Molecular formula C24H46O6
Molar mass 430.62 g/mol
Appearance Waxy powder
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Sorbitan monostearate (also known as Span 60) is an ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax.[1] It is primarily used as an emulsifier to keep water and oils mixed. Sorbitan monostearate is used in the manufacture of food and healthcare products, and is a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties.

It is also employed to create synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, brighteners in the leather industry, as an emulsifier in coatings, in pesticides, and in various applications in the plastics, food and cosmetics industries.

Sorbitan monostearate has been approved by the European Union for use as a food additive (emulsifier) (E number: E 491).

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Ingredients – Sorbitan Monostearate at sci-toys.com


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