Overview of Sorbitan Monooleate
Sorbitan monooleate, also known as sorbitan monooleate, can be used as a nonionic surfactant.
Span-80 is a yellow oily liquid, easily soluble in water, ethanol, methanol or ethyl acetate, and very slightly soluble in mineral oil. It is a w/o type emulsifier, which has strong emulsification, chemical dispersion and lubrication effects. It can be mixed with various surfactants, especially suitable for Tween-60, and the effect is better when used in combination. HLB value is 4.7, melting point is 52-57℃.
Specifications Table of Sorbitan Monooleate
| Property |
Typical Value(s) |
| Appearance |
Pale yellow to amber, viscous liquid or waxy solid |
| Odor |
Mild, characteristic odor |
| pH (1% solution in water at 25°C) |
5.0 - 7.0 |
| Active Matter (%) |
≥ 98 |
| Density (g/cm³ at 25°C) |
0.95 - 1.00 |
| Solubility |
Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and organic solvents |
| HLB Value |
4.3 |
| Viscosity (cP at 25°C) |
Varies by grade, typically 1000 - 5000 |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) |
≤ 2.0 |
| Saponification Value (mg KOH/g) |
160 - 185 |
| Iodine Value |
60 - 75 |
| Flash Point (closed cup, °C) |
> 200 |
| Storage Conditions |
Store in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials and direct sunlight. Keep containers tightly closed. |
| Shelf Life (under proper storage conditions) |
2 years |
Properties of Sorbitan Monooleate
Boiling Point: 463.43°C (rough estimate)
Density: 0.986g/ml at 25°C(lit.)
Vapor Pressure: <1.4hPa(20°C)
Refractive Index: n20/D1.48(lit.)
Flash Point: >230°F
Storage Conditions: Store below +30°C
Solubility: Almost insoluble in water, but can be dispersed in water, soluble in fatty oils to produce a turbid solution, and miscible with alcohol.
Form: Viscous liquid
Proportion: 0.986
Color: Yellow
Odor: Fatty oily waxy smell
Fragrance Type: Fatty
Water Solubility: Soluble in ethanol at 50mg/ml Miscible with water, ethanol, isopropanol and ether, Insoluble in acetone.
Performance of Sorbitan Monooleate
Using sorbitol as raw material, dehydration and ring-closure are performed to generate sorbitol, which is then esterified with oleic acid. An amber viscous oily substance with oily properties, relative density of 1.029, and melting point of 10-12°C. It has a fat smell, is insoluble in water, can be dispersed in hot water, and is soluble in organic solvents. It is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 4.3. It has emulsification, solubilization and diffusion capabilities, as well as defoaming and stabilizing effects. It is not soluble in isopropyl alcohol, tetrachlorethylene, xylene, cottonseed oil, mineral oil, etc. It is a high-grade lipophilic emulsifier.
Production Methods of Sorbitan Monooleate
Add 70% sorbitol into the stainless steel reactor, add 0.6% mass dehydration catalyst (phosphoric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid), alcohol: acid = 1: (1.5~1.7) (molar ratio), and heat up to below 150°C , lose water for 3 hours; then add oleic acid preheated to 90% and 0.3% mass esterification catalyst (KOH or NaOH) into the dehydrated sorbitol, and raise the temperature to 210°C under nitrogen filling for 4 to 5 hours; when When the acid value is less than 8mgKOH/g, the reaction ends; the product is obtained after standing, cooling and filtering.
Put 88kg of sorbitol into the reaction kettle and dehydrate under reduced pressure. After dehydration is completed, press in 130kg of refined oleic acid and an appropriate amount of sodium hydroxide (as a catalyst). Start stirring, evacuate, slowly raise the temperature, and react at 200~210°C for 6 hours. Take a sample and measure the acid value. When the acid value is 6 to 7, the esterification reaction is completed. Cool down and let it stand for 24 hours. After letting it stand, it is divided into upper and lower layers. The lower layer is a black gelatinous substance. Separate and discard it. Pour the upper clarified liquid into the decolorizing kettle, heat it to about 65°C and decolorize with activated carbon, and decolorize at 80-85°C for 1 hour. Filter, and the filtrate is dehydrated under vacuum for 5 hours to obtain the finished product.
Technical Parameter of Sorbitan Monooleate
| Product Name |
Short Name |
Active matter content |
HLB |
Melting point |
Appearance |
| Sorbitan monooleate |
N/A |
N/A |
4.3 |
10-12℃ |
the amber viscous oily substance |
Application of Sorbitan Monooleate
1. Used as emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and wetting agent in medicine, cosmetics, and textile industries. It can also be used as dispersant in paint industry and emulsifier in oil fields.
2. Emulsion explosives, petroleum, medicine, cosmetics, textiles, paint, leather and other industries
3. Gas chromatography stationary solution, also used as emulsifier
Application of Sorbitan Monooleate
Company Profile
Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials, including boride powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, sulfide powder, 3D printing powder, etc.
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If you are looking for high-quality Sorbitan Monooleate, please feel free to contact us or click on the needed products to send an inquiry.
Packing of Sorbitan Monooleate
1kg/bottle, 25kg/barrel, or 200kg/barrel.
We have many different kinds of packing which depend on the quantity.
Payment Methods of Sorbitan Monooleate
L/C, T/T, Western Union, Paypal, Credit Card etc.
Shipment of Sorbitan Monooleate
By sea, by air, by express as soon as possible once payment receipt.
FAQ of Sorbitan Monooleate
Q1: What is Sorbitan Monooleate and what are its primary uses?
Re: Sorbitan Monooleate is a non-ionic surfactant commonly used as an emulsifier in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food products. It helps to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, preventing them from separating. This makes it invaluable in the formulation of creams, lotions, ointments, and other personal care items. Additionally, it is utilized in food applications as an emulsifying agent in products like baked goods, confectionery, and margarine, where it aids in texture improvement and shelf-life extension.
Q2: How does Sorbitan Monooleate enhance the performance of formulations?
Re: Sorbitan Monooleate enhances the performance of formulations by providing excellent emulsifying properties that ensure oils and water remain stably mixed. Its low HLB value (around 4.3) indicates it is more lipophilic, making it particularly effective in oil-in-water emulsions. This characteristic allows for improved texture and consistency in products, leading to better spreadability and feel when applied. Moreover, its ability to reduce surface tension improves wetting and dispersion of ingredients, contributing to overall product stability and efficacy.
Q3: Is Sorbitan Monooleate safe for use in consumer products?
Re: Sorbitan Monooleate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food products by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In cosmetics and personal care products, it has been approved by various safety review panels. When used within recommended concentrations, it poses minimal risk to consumers. However, as with any ingredient, individual sensitivity can vary, and some users may experience skin irritation. Proper handling and adherence to safety guidelines during manufacturing are important. Detailed safety information can be found in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Technical Data Sheet (TDS) provided by suppliers.
Q4: What environmental considerations should be noted regarding Sorbitan Monooleate?
Re: Sorbitan Monooleate is considered biodegradable and has a relatively low environmental impact compared to some other surfactants. Responsible disposal practices and adherence to local regulations help minimize any potential environmental effects. The compound's biodegradability means it can break down naturally in the environment, reducing persistence. Manufacturers and consumers should follow best practices for waste management and disposal to ensure minimal environmental impact.
