Factory Supply Span 80 / Sorbitan monooleate / CAS 1338-43-8 for sale

Sorbitan Mono-(9Z)-9-Octadecenoate: An In-Depth Exploration

1. Introduction

Sorbitan mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate, commonly known as Span 80 or Sorbitan Oleate, is an ester derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. With the chemical formula C24H44O6, it belongs to the sorbitan ester family and finds extensive use as an emulsifier, surfactant, and solubilizer in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

2. Chemical Properties

• Chemical Formula: C24H44O6
• Molecular Weight: Approximately 428.6 g/mol
• Structure: Sorbitan mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate comprises a sorbitan backbone esterified with a single molecule of oleic acid, resulting in a lipophilic molecule with hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.
• Physical State: At room temperature, it is a yellow to amber-colored viscous liquid.

3. Physical Properties

• Melting Point: Sorbitan Oleate typically solidifies at temperatures below 20°C (68°F), forming a waxy solid.
• Boiling Point: It has a boiling point ranging from approximately 200°C to 250°C (392°F to 482°F), depending on factors such as purity and atmospheric pressure.
• Solubility: Sorbitan Oleate is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and ether.
• Density: The density of Span 80 is around 1.05 g/cm³.

4. Applications

4.1 Food Industry

• Emulsifier: Span 80 is utilized as an emulsifier in food products, especially in oil-in-water emulsions such as salad dressings, margarine, and ice cream, where it helps stabilize the emulsion and prevent phase separation.

• Solubilizer: It serves as a solubilizer for lipophilic compounds in food formulations, improving their dispersibility and bioavailability.

4.2 Pharmaceuticals

• Emulsifying Agent: Sorbitan Oleate is employed as an emulsifying agent in pharmaceutical formulations, including creams, ointments, and lotions, to create stable emulsions with uniform distribution of active ingredients.

• Excipient: It functions as an excipient in oral and topical pharmaceutical products, aiding in the formulation of drug delivery systems and improving drug solubility.

4.3 Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Surfactant: Span 80 acts as a surfactant in cosmetics and personal care products, reducing surface tension and improving wetting, spreading, and foaming characteristics.

• Emollient: It serves as an emollient in skincare formulations such as creams, lotions, and moisturizers, imparting a smooth and soft feel to the skin.

4.4 Industrial Applications

• Textile Industry: Sorbitan Oleate is utilized in the textile industry as an emulsifier and softener in fabric softeners and textile finishing agents.

• Paints and Coatings: It is employed as a dispersant and emulsifier in paints, coatings, and inks to improve pigment dispersion and stability.

5. Benefits

• Biodegradability: Span 80 is biodegradable, minimizing its environmental impact during use and disposal.

• Versatility: Its ability to function as an emulsifier, surfactant, and solubilizer makes it a versatile ingredient suitable for various formulations across different industries.

6. Safety Considerations

Sorbitan mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and pharmaceutical applications when used in accordance with regulatory guidelines. However, as with any chemical ingredient, proper handling and formulation practices should be followed to ensure product safety and efficacy.

7. Conclusion

Sorbitan mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate, commonly known as Span 80 or Sorbitan Oleate, is a multifunctional ingredient with diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industry. Its emulsifying, surfactant, and solubilizing properties make it an essential component in numerous formulations, contributing to product stability, efficacy, and sensory attributes. When used responsibly, Span 80 offers valuable benefits while maintaining a favorable safety profile.