We unleash your business potential by maximize the business innovation.
Send EmailSorbitan Monolaurate, Sorbitan Laurate, Span 20, SML, E432, 1338-39-2
SORBITAN MONOLAURATE (SPAN 20 / E432)
CAS Number: 1338-39-2
EC Number (EINECS): 215-663-3
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₄O₆
Molecular Weight: 346.46 g/mol
HLB Value: ~8.6
E Number: E432
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | Sorbitan monolaurate |
| Other Names | Sorbitan Monolaurate, Sorbitan Laurate, Span 20, SML |
| CAS Number | 1338-39-2 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 215-663-3 |
| E Number | E432 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₄O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 346.46 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Sorbitan fatty acid ester (non-ionic surfactant) |
| Fatty Acid | Lauric acid (C12) |
| HLB Value | ~8.6 |
| Appearance | Yellowish liquid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic |
| Physical State | Liquid |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₄O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 346.46 g/mol |
| Appearance | Yellowish liquid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic |
| HLB Value | ~8.6 |
| Density | ~1.0 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in Water | Dispersible |
| Solubility in Oils | Soluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Soluble in ethanol, acetone, ether, chloroform |
| Acid Value | ≤ 7 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 155-170 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤ 5 g I₂/100g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 330-358 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤ 1.0% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.5% |
SECTION 3: SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent | Solubility | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Dispersible | - |
| Mineral Oil | Soluble | - |
| Vegetable Oils | Soluble | - |
| Ethanol | Soluble | - |
| Acetone | Soluble | - |
| Chloroform | Soluble | - |
| Propylene Glycol | Partially soluble | - |
| Glycerin | Dispersible | - |
Critical Note: Sorbitan monolaurate has the highest HLB value (~8.6) among the Span series. This makes it more suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions compared to other Span products.
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, cosmetics | Cosmetics, veterinary | Very low HLB |
SECTION 5: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Emulsifier Type | Non-ionic surfactant |
| Emulsion Type | Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions |
| HLB Value | ~8.6 (suitable for O/W emulsions) |
| Dispersion | Dispersible in water, soluble in oils |
| Stabilization | Stabilizes emulsions, prevents separation |
| Texture Improvement | Provides smooth texture to products |
| Combination | Synergistic effect with high HLB surfactants (Tween series) |
| Highest HLB | Highest HLB value among the Span series |
SECTION 6: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES
6.1. Food Industry (Most Important Application)
| Application | Function | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Margarine | Emulsifier, stabilizer | High |
| Coffee Creamer | Emulsion stabilizer | High |
| Milk Powder | Dispersion aid | High |
| Ice Cream | Provides smooth texture | High |
| Sauces | Emulsion stabilizer | High |
| Bakery Products | Texture and stability improver | High |
| Desserts | Prevents separation, provides texture | High |
| Oil-Water Mixtures | Emulsion former | High |
6.2. Pharmaceutical Industry
| Application | Function | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical Emulsions | Emulsifier, stabilizer | High |
| Emulsion Carrier | Drug delivery system | High |
| Topical Preparations | Emulsifier | High |
| Capsule Formulations | Excipient | High |
6.3. Cosmetics and Personal Care
| Application | Function | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Creams and Lotions | Emulsifier, thickener | High |
| Hair Care Products | Emulsifier | High |
| Makeup Products | Emulsion stabilizer | High |
| Sunscreens | Emulsifier | High |
| Body Lotions | Emulsifier, moisturizer | High |
| Facial Cleansers | Emulsifier | High |
SECTION 7: INDUSTRY SUITABILITY MATRIX
| Industry | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Food Industry | High | Emulsifier (E432), stabilizer |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | High | Emulsifier, emulsion carrier |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Margarine | High | Emulsifier, stabilizer |
| Coffee Creamer | High | Emulsion stabilizer |
| Milk Powder | High | Dispersion aid |
| Ice Cream | High | Provides smooth texture |
| Sauces | High | Emulsion stabilizer |
| Bakery Products | High | Texture and stability improver |
| Desserts | High | Prevents separation |
| Oil-Water Mixtures | High | Emulsion former |
SECTION 9: OTHER NAMES AND IDENTIFIERS
| Type | Name / Description |
|---|---|
| Turkish Names | Sorbitan Monolaurat, Sorbitan Yağ Asidi Esterleri, Yağ Asidi Sorbitan Esterleri |
| English Names | Sorbitan Monolaurate, Sorbitan Laurate, Span 20 |
| E Number | E432 |
| CAS Number | 1338-39-2 |
| EC Number | 215-663-3 |
| HLB Value | ~8.6 |
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 (E432), 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 drums, 200 kg drums, IBC |
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 Monolaurate |
| 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 liquid |
| 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 | Absorb with absorbent material; 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 E432 |
| JECFA | Approved |
| EINECS | 215-663-3 |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 (slight hazard to water) |
SECTION 16: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
Product Summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Sorbitan Monolaurate (Span 20 / E432) |
| CAS | 1338-39-2 |
| Appearance | Yellowish liquid |
| HLB Value | ~8.6 |
| Fatty Acid | Lauric acid (C12) |
| Key Industries | Food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics |
CRITICAL WARNINGS
-
Highest HLB Value (~8.6): Span 20 has the highest HLB value among the Span series. This makes it the most suitable Span product for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
-
Food Emulsifier (E432): Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in margarine, coffee creamer, milk powder, ice cream, and sauces in the food industry.
-
Liquid Form: Liquid at room temperature, providing ease of use and dosing.
-
O/W Emulsions: Unlike other Span products (which are W/O emulsions), Span 20 is suitable for oil-in-water emulsions.
-
Lauric Acid Source: Contains lauric acid (C12), providing medium-chain fatty acid properties.
-
Pharmaceutical Applications: Used as an emulsion carrier, stabilizer, and excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.
-
Cosmetic Applications: Used as an emulsifier in creams, lotions, hair care products, and makeup products.
-
Combination with Tween: Combination with Tween series (Polysorbates) provides a wide range of emulsion systems and achieves the desired emulsion balance.
-
Safety: Low toxicity compound (LD₅₀ > 10,000 mg/kg). Considered safe for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
-
Regulatory Status: Approved by EU (E432), USA (GRAS), and JECFA. Widely used as a food additive.
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 Monolaurate.
