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| Synonyms:Span 60 Sorbitan stearate Anhydrosorbitol monostearate Sorbitani stearas Molecular Formula:C24H46O6 Molecular Weight: 430.62 HS Code: 2932190090 Grade:99%、 Industrial grade、Food Grade Hazard Class:General Cargo | |||||||||
1338-41-6
Boss Chemical
1338-41-6
Span 60, also known as sorbitan monostearate (sorbitan monostearate, Span 60, emulsifier S-60), is a nonionic surfactant formed by the esterification of sorbitan and stearate. Its chemical formula is usually written as:
C24H46O6 (CAS No.: 1338-41-6, molecular weight approximately 430.62)
It is a white to pale yellow waxy solid (flakes or powder) at room temperature, with a slight characteristic odor. Its melting point is approximately 52-57°C, and its density is approximately 0.98-1.03 g/cm³. Span 60 is insoluble in water and propylene glycol, but soluble in hot ethanol, benzene, hot oil, and mineral oil. It is a lipophilic nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 4.7 and is biodegradable.
From the molecular framework point of view, Span 60 molecules are normal amphiphilic molecules, with hydrophilic sorbitan groups and lipophilic long-chain stearic acid groups. It has low HLB value (4.7) and shows strong lipophilicity, and is ideal emulsifier for W/O (water-in-oil) emulsion, and has superior emulsifying power compared with other Span series products. It can form high-performance O / W (oil in water) emulsions system with high HLB emulsifiers from Tween series. This "lipophilic emulsification + synergistic compounding" function is the basis for its wide application in food and cosmetics industries.
Chemically, Span 60 is stable and non-toxic, possessing excellent emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and solubilizing properties. Its use in the food industry is limited according to national standard (GB 13481). It should be stored in a dry, sealed container, away from heat sources.
The term "industrial-grade Span 60" refers to products primarily intended for industrial production, with quality controlled according to standards such as GB 13481. Compared to reagent-grade products, industrial-grade products place greater emphasis on the following indicators:
The saponification value reflects the content and purity of fatty acid esters and is a core indicator for measuring product quality; it must meet the specified range.
The hydroxyl value reflects the content of unesterified hydroxyl groups, which affects HLB and emulsification performance and must meet specifications.
Acid value reflects the content of free fatty acids, which affects product stability and downstream formulations, and needs to be controlled at a low level.
Iodine value reflects the degree of unsaturation, and melting point (52~57℃) is a classic indicator for judging product quality.
Excessive moisture content can affect emulsification performance and storage stability, and should be kept at a low level.
Span 60 is one of the most widely used food emulsifiers. According to the national food safety standard GB 13481, it is used in ice cream to make the product firm, stable in shape, disperse oil and prevent "melting"; in chocolate to prevent fat crystals from floating on the surface and forming "frost"; it is also used to regulate the crystals in margarine, and to stabilize cake oil, cream and beverages. It is an indispensable emulsifier in the food industry.
Span 60 is used as a W/O emulsifier in creams, lotions, conditioners, hair masks, lipsticks, makeup removers, and sunscreens. It helps to form a stable and delicate emulsion system. When combined with Tween, it can produce products with a variety of textures. It is a commonly used nonionic emulsifier in the daily chemical industry.
Span 60 is used as an oiling component in the textile industry to help improve the smoothness, cohesion, and antistatic properties of fibers, and is applied in chemical fiber spinning and yarn treatment.
Span 60 is used as an anti-fogging agent for plastic films to reduce film surface tension and prevent water vapor from condensing into droplets. It is applied to the anti-fogging treatment of agricultural films and food packaging films.
Its application areas, including metalworking oil emulsifiers and ink additives, are still expanding.
Span 60, also known as sorbitan monostearate, is a white to pale yellow waxy nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 4.7. It is a classic lipophilic (w/o) emulsifier and can also be combined with Tween for various emulsification systems. In daily life, we indirectly come into contact with it through chains such as ice cream, chocolate, margarine, cosmetics, plastic films, and pesticide coatings. In industry, industrial-grade Span 60 is widely used as a food emulsifier (core), cosmetic emulsifier, textile oiling agent, plastic anti-fogging agent, and pesticide coating additive, making it an important nonionic emulsifier bridging "daily use" and "food and cosmetics."
