Surfactants
REACH
Sorbitan monooleate
CAS Number
1338-43-8
EC Number
215-665-4
E Number
E494
Abbreviation
SMO
What is Sorbitan monooleate?
Sorbitan monooleate (CAS 1338-43-8), also marketed as Span 80 and approved as E494 in food applications, is a nonionic lipophilic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid.
Where is Sorbitan monooleate used?
- Food: emulsifier in shortenings, margarine and bakery fats
- Personal care: builds stable water-in-oil creams, lotions and ointment bases
- Textile and leather processing: wetting and softening agent
- Agrochemical and industrial formulations: dispersant and emulsifier for pesticide concentrates
- It stabilizes water-in-oil emulsions and dispersions.
Good to know: Often paired with polysorbate 80 to fine-tune HLB balance in complex formulations.
Commercial specifications
- Drum and IBC quantities
- Food-grade meeting FCC and E494 specifications
- Ph. Eur. and BP specifications
Other Names (Synonyms)
Span 80|Arlacel 80|SORBITAN OLEATE|Anhydrosorbitol monooleate|Sorbitan, mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate|Oleate de sorbitan|Sorbitan mono-oletae|Sorbitan, mono-9-octadecenoate|SMO|E494
What are the physical properties of Sorbitan monooleate?
Boiling Point 463.43°C (rough estimate)
Density 0.99 g/cm³
Flash Point >230 °F
Appearance Liquid
Color Yellow
Odor at 100.00 %. fatty oily waxy
Form Viscous Liquid
Water Solubility Soluble in ethanol at 50mg/mlMiscible with water, ethanol, isopropanol and ether. Insoluble in acetone.
Vapor Pressure <1.4 hPa (20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.48(lit.)
Log P 6.014 (est)
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Sorbitan monooleate?
HS Code 34021300
WGK (Germany) 1