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Send EmailSorbitan Monostearate, Span 60, E491, 1338-41-6
SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE (SPAN 60 / E491)
CAS Number: 1338-41-6
EC Number (EINECS): 215-664-9
Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₄₆O₆
Molecular Weight: 430.62 g/mol
HLB Value: ~4.7
E Number: E491
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | Sorbitan monostearate |
| Other Names | Sorbitan Monostearate, Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester, Span 60, Monostearate Ester of Sorbitan |
| CAS Number | 1338-41-6 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 215-664-9 |
| E Number | E491 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₄H₄₆O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 430.62 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Sorbitan fatty acid ester (non-ionic surfactant) |
| Fatty Acid | Stearic acid (C18) |
| HLB Value | ~4.7 |
| Appearance | White to cream-colored, wax-like solid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic |
| Physical State | Solid (wax-like) |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₂₄H₄₆O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 430.62 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to cream-colored, wax-like solid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic |
| HLB Value | ~4.7 |
| Melting Point | ~50-55°C |
| Density | ~1.0 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Oils | Soluble (hot) |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Soluble in ethanol, acetone, ether, chloroform (hot) |
| Acid Value | ≤ 7 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 145-160 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤ 4 g I₂/100g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 235-260 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤ 2.0% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.5% |
SECTION 3: SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent | Solubility | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Insoluble | - |
| Mineral Oil | Soluble | Hot |
| Vegetable Oils | Soluble | Hot |
| Ethanol | Soluble | Hot |
| Acetone | Soluble | Hot |
| Chloroform | Soluble | - |
| Propylene Glycol | Slightly soluble | - |
| Glycerin | Insoluble | - |
Critical Note: Sorbitan monostearate is insoluble in water but soluble in oils and organic solvents at elevated temperatures. Its low HLB value (~4.7) makes it suitable for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and as a co-emulsifier in various systems.
SECTION 4: SPAN SERIES COMPARISON TABLE
| Property | Span 20 | Span 40 | Span 60 | Span 80 | Span 85 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Sorbitan monolaurate | Sorbitan monopalmitate | Sorbitan monostearate | Sorbitan monooleate | Sorbitan trioleate |
| Fatty Acid | Lauric acid (C12) | Palmitic acid (C16) | Stearic acid (C18) | Oleic acid (C18:1) | Trioleic acid |
| E Number | E432 | E494 | E491 | E493 | E476 |
| HLB Value | ~8.6 | ~6.7 | ~4.7 | ~4.3 | ~1.8 |
| Appearance | Yellowish liquid | Cream solid | White/cream solid | Dark yellow liquid | Dark yellow liquid |
| Emulsion Type | O/W | W/O | W/O | W/O | W/O |
| Main Use | Food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals | Food, pharmaceutical | Chocolate, margarine, pharmaceuticals | Cosmetics, veterinary | Very low HLB |
SECTION 5: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Emulsifier Type | Non-ionic surfactant |
| Emulsion Type | Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions |
| HLB Value | ~4.7 (suitable for oil-phase systems) |
| Dispersion | Dispersible in oil phase |
| Stabilization | Stabilizes emulsions, prevents separation |
| Texture Improvement | Provides smooth texture to products |
| Crystallization Control | Controls fat crystallization in chocolates and margarines |
| Combination | Synergistic effect with high HLB surfactants (Tween series) |
SECTION 6: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES
6.1. Food Industry (Most Important Application)
| Application | Function | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Viscosity modifier, crystallization control | High |
| Margarine | Emulsifier, stabilizer | High |
| Ice Cream | Provides smooth texture, prevents separation | High |
| Bakery Products | Texture and stability improver | High |
| Coffee Creamer | Emulsion stabilizer | High |
| Milk Powder | Dispersion aid | High |
| Sauces | Emulsion stabilizer | High |
| Confectionery | Texture improver, anti-bloom agent | High |
6.2. Pharmaceutical Industry
| Application | Function | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Tablet Binder | Binding agent | High |
| Pharmaceutical Emulsions | Emulsifier, stabilizer | High |
| Capsule Formulations | Excipient | High |
| Topical Preparations | Emulsifier | High |
| Suppository Bases | Consistency modifier | High |
6.3. Cosmetics and Personal Care
| Application | Function | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Creams and Lotions | Emulsifier, thickener | High |
| Makeup Products | Emulsion stabilizer | High |
| Sunscreens | Emulsifier | High |
| Hair Care Products | Emulsifier | High |
| Body Lotions | Emulsifier, moisturizer | High |
| Deodorants | Consistency modifier | High |
SECTION 7: INDUSTRY SUITABILITY MATRIX
| Industry | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Food Industry | High | Emulsifier (E491), stabilizer, crystallization control |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | High | Tablet binder, emulsifier, excipient |
| Cosmetics | High | Emulsifier, thickener |
| Textile | Low | No direct use |
| Agriculture | Low | Limited use |
| Paints | Low | Limited use |
SECTION 8: FOOD SUITABILITY MATRIX
| Food Category | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | High | Viscosity modifier, crystallization control |
| Margarine | High | Emulsifier, stabilizer |
| Ice Cream | High | Provides smooth texture, prevents separation |
| Bakery Products | High | Texture and stability improver |
| Coffee Creamer | High | Emulsion stabilizer |
| Milk Powder | High | Dispersion aid |
| Sauces | High | Emulsion stabilizer |
| Confectionery | High | Texture improver, anti-bloom agent |
SECTION 9: OTHER NAMES AND IDENTIFIERS
| Type | Name / Description |
|---|---|
| Turkish Names | Sorbitan Monostearat, Sorbitan Yağ Asidi Esterleri, Yağ Asidi Sorbitan Esterleri |
| English Names | Sorbitan Monostearate, Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester, Span 60 |
| E Number | E491 |
| CAS Number | 1338-41-6 |
| EC Number | 215-664-9 |
| HLB Value | ~4.7 |
SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGY AND SAFETY
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Not classified |
| Oral LD50 (Rat) | > 10,000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Skin Sensitization | Not sensitizing |
| Mutagenicity | Negative |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified |
| Regulatory Status | EU (E491), USA (GRAS), JECFA approved |
| Safety | Safe within recommended usage limits |
| Target Organs | Skin, eyes (mild irritation) |
SECTION 11: SAFETY AND STORAGE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Temperature | 15-25°C (room temperature) |
| Container | Tightly closed, original packaging |
| Light Protection | Protect from direct sunlight |
| Moisture Sensitivity | Protect from moisture |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (under recommended conditions) |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, 50 kg drums |
SECTION 12: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not regulated (not dangerous goods) |
| Hazard Class | Not applicable |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Proper Shipping Name | Sorbitan Monostearate |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated |
| IMDG Code | Not regulated |
| IATA (Air) | Not regulated |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
SECTION 13: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Combustible solid |
| Extinguishing Media | Water fog, CO₂, dry chemical, foam |
| Special Hazards | When heated, releases CO, CO₂ |
| Decomposition Products | CO, CO₂ |
| Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
SECTION 14: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE AND CLEANUP
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Personal Protection | Gloves, safety goggles |
| Cleanup Methods | Collect mechanically; dispose in sealed containers |
| Environmental Precautions | Prevent entry into drains |
| Waste Disposal | According to local regulations |
SECTION 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| EU REACH | Registered |
| Turkey KKDİK | Registration required |
| USA TSCA | Listed |
| USA FDA | GRAS (food additive) |
| EU Food Additives | Approved as E491 |
| JECFA | Approved |
| EINECS | 215-664-9 |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 (slight hazard to water) |
SECTION 16: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
Product Summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60 / E491) |
| CAS | 1338-41-6 |
| Appearance | White to cream-colored, wax-like solid |
| HLB Value | ~4.7 |
| Melting Point | ~50-55°C |
| Key Industries | Food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics |
CRITICAL WARNINGS
-
Low HLB Value (~4.7): Sorbitan monostearate has a low HLB value, making it suitable for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. It is particularly effective as a co-emulsifier and crystallization control agent.
-
Chocolate Industry: Widely used in chocolate to control viscosity, prevent fat bloom, and improve texture. It modifies fat crystallization and provides anti-bloom properties.
-
Food Emulsifier (E491): Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in margarine, ice cream, bakery products, coffee creamers, and confectionery.
-
Stearic Acid Source: Contains stearic acid (C18), providing saturated fatty acid properties and higher melting point compared to other Span products.
-
Fat Crystallization Control: Controls fat crystallization in margarines and chocolates, improving product stability and appearance.
-
Tablet Binder: In pharmaceuticals, used as a tablet binder and emulsifier in various formulations.
-
Cosmetic Applications: Used as an emulsifier and thickener in creams, lotions, makeup products, and sunscreens.
-
Solid Form: Wax-like solid at room temperature. Must be melted before use in formulations.
-
Combination with Tween: Effective combination with Tween 60 (Polysorbate 60) provides optimal emulsion stability.
-
Regulatory Status: Approved by EU (E491), USA (GRAS), and JECFA. Widely used as a food additive and pharmaceutical excipient.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Sorbitan Monostearate.
