Sorbitan monostearate

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ImageFile=Sorbitan monostearate.pngImageSize=200px
IUPACName=Octadecanoic acid [2- [(2"R",3"S",4"R")-3,4-dihydroxy-2-tetrahydrofuranyl] -2-hydroxyethyl] ester
OtherNames=Span 60
Section1= Chembox Identifiers
CASNo=1338-41-6
PubChem=14928
SMILES=CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC( [C@@H] 1 [C@H] ( [C@@H] (CO1)O)O)O
Section2= Chembox Properties
Formula=C₂₄H₄₆O₆
MolarMass=430.62 g/mol
Appearance=Waxy powder
Density=
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Sorbitan monostearate (also known as Span 60) is an ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax. [http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/sorbitan_monostearate.html Ingredients – Sorbitan Monostearate] at sci-toys.com] It is primarily used as an emulsifier to keep water and oils mixed. Sorbitan monostearate is used in the manufacture of food and healthcare products, and is a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties.

It is also employed to create synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, brighteners in the leather industry, as an emulsifier in coatings, in pesticides, and in various applications in the plastics, food and cosmetics industries.

Sorbitan monostearate has been approved by the European Union for use as a food additive (emulsifier) (E number: E 491).

See also

* Sorbitan tristearate (Span 65)

References