Sorbitan monostearate

Sorbitan monostearate
IUPAC name

Octadecanoic acid [2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-tetrahydrofuranyl]-2-hydroxyethyl] ester
Identifiers
CAS number 1338-41-6 Y
PubChem 16218600
ChemSpider 16736467 Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C24H46O6
Molar mass 430.62 g/mol
Appearance Waxy powder
 Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Sorbitan monostearate 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 . Sorbitans are also known as "Spans". 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) .

Contents

Toxicology

Compendial status

References

  1. ^ Ingredients – Sorbitan Monostearate at sci-toys.com
  2. ^ The British Pharmacopoeia Secretariat (2009). "Index, BP 2009". http://www.pharmacopoeia.co.uk/pdf/2009_index.pdf. Retrieved 18 March 2010. 

http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v05je47.htm

See also