Sorbitan monooleate
CAS 1338-43-8
EC 215-665-4
Formula C24H44O6
MW 428.6 g/mol
Surfactants Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionTextile, Leather & Paper Emulsification & DispersionSurface Modification & WettingHumectant & Moisturizing
Description
Sorbitan monooleate, commercially known as Span 80 or Arlacel 80, is a non-ionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. With CAS number 1338-43-8 and HLB value of approximately 4.3, it belongs to the sorbitan ester family and carries no assigned E-code for food applications in the EU.
In personal care formulations, it stabilises water-in-oil emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between immiscible phases, making it a functional component in creams and skin protectants. In textile processing, it acts as a fibre lubricant and wetting agent, improving dye penetration and reducing surface friction during mechanical handling.
Sorbitan monooleate is available in cosmetic and technical grades, with compliance documentation available for REACH registration. It is supplied in standard drum and IBC formats suited to industrial procurement volumes. Buyers requiring food-contact applications should verify grade-specific FCC or regional food-additive compliance prior to use.
In personal care formulations, it stabilises water-in-oil emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between immiscible phases, making it a functional component in creams and skin protectants. In textile processing, it acts as a fibre lubricant and wetting agent, improving dye penetration and reducing surface friction during mechanical handling.
Sorbitan monooleate is available in cosmetic and technical grades, with compliance documentation available for REACH registration. It is supplied in standard drum and IBC formats suited to industrial procurement volumes. Buyers requiring food-contact applications should verify grade-specific FCC or regional food-additive compliance prior to use.
Physical Properties
| 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) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 34021300 |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Sorbitan mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoateSMOSpan 80SPAN 60SPAN NO 80Ionet S 80
Related Products
Raw Materials
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