Sorbitan monolaurate
CAS 1338-39-2
EC 215-663-3
Formula C18H34O6
MW 346.46 g/mol
Surfactants Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPharmaceuticals & HealthcareTextile, Leather & Paper Emulsification & DispersionHumectant & MoisturizingRheology Modification
Description
Sorbitan monolaurate, commercially known as Span 20 or Armotan ML, is a nonionic sorbitan ester surfactant with CAS 1338-39-2 and HLB value of approximately 8.6. It is produced by esterifying sorbitol with lauric acid and carries no assigned E-code, distinguishing it from food-approved sorbitan esters such as E491.
In emulsion-based cosmetic formulations, sorbitan monolaurate stabilises water-in-oil systems by reducing interfacial tension between immiscible phases, often paired with polysorbates to fine-tune HLB balance. In pharmaceutical topical preparations and textile processing, it functions as a co-emulsifier and dispersing agent, controlling droplet size and improving homogeneity across the finished product.
Sorbitan monolaurate is supplied as a liquid and is available in food-contact and pharmaceutical grades compliant with FCC and Ph.Eur. standards. The substance is registered under REACH and classified under HS code 34021300. Packaging formats typically include drums and intermediate bulk containers for industrial procurement volumes.
In emulsion-based cosmetic formulations, sorbitan monolaurate stabilises water-in-oil systems by reducing interfacial tension between immiscible phases, often paired with polysorbates to fine-tune HLB balance. In pharmaceutical topical preparations and textile processing, it functions as a co-emulsifier and dispersing agent, controlling droplet size and improving homogeneity across the finished product.
Sorbitan monolaurate is supplied as a liquid and is available in food-contact and pharmaceutical grades compliant with FCC and Ph.Eur. standards. The substance is registered under REACH and classified under HS code 34021300. Packaging formats typically include drums and intermediate bulk containers for industrial procurement volumes.
Physical Properties
| Boiling Point | 401.18°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.032 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | Liquid |
| Color | Clear amber colour |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in 2-ethoxyethanol, ethanol and methanol. Not miscible or difficult to mix in water. |
| Vapor Pressure | <1.3 hPa (20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.474(lit.) |
| Log P | 3.366 (est) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 34021300 |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
SPAN 20Armotan MLARLACEL 20SPAN NO 20SPAN(R) 20emsorb2515
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