Sorbitan monostearate
CAS 1338-41-6
EC 215-664-9
Formula C24H46O6
MW 430.62 g/mol
Surfactants Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPharmaceuticals & HealthcareTextile, Leather & Paper Emulsification & DispersionHumectant & MoisturizingRheology Modification
Description
Sorbitan monostearate (CAS 1338-41-6) is a non-ionic sorbitan ester surfactant commercially available under trade names including Span 60, Crill 3, Crill K 3, and MS 33. It carries EC number 215-664-9 and is classified under HS code 34021300. It does not hold an E-number designation.
In food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, sorbitan monostearate functions as an oil-in-water emulsifier by reducing interfacial tension between immiscible phases, stabilising emulsions in cake shortenings, chocolate coatings, and tablet coatings. In textile processing, it acts as a fibre lubricant and softening agent, improving yarn handling during spinning operations.
Sorbitan monostearate is available in food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and technical-grade specifications, with compliance to FCC, Ph.Eur., and REACH requirements depending on the grade selected. It is supplied in solid flake or pastille form and typically packaged in 25 kg bags or fibre drums.
In food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, sorbitan monostearate functions as an oil-in-water emulsifier by reducing interfacial tension between immiscible phases, stabilising emulsions in cake shortenings, chocolate coatings, and tablet coatings. In textile processing, it acts as a fibre lubricant and softening agent, improving yarn handling during spinning operations.
Sorbitan monostearate is available in food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and technical-grade specifications, with compliance to FCC, Ph.Eur., and REACH requirements depending on the grade selected. It is supplied in solid flake or pastille form and typically packaged in 25 kg bags or fibre drums.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 49-65 °C |
| Boiling Point | 464.84°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.0 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | Liquid |
| Color | Cream coloured flakes |
| Odor | Slight |
| Form | Solid |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in ethanol (50 mg/ml), isopropanol, mineral oil and vegetable oil. Insoluble in water. |
| Vapor Pressure | <1.4 hPa (20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4593 (estimate) |
| Log P | 7.66 |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 34021300 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
SMSMS 33Crill 3Span 60Span 55
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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