Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Monooleate, Span 80, Emulsifier S80, E494, SMO, 1338-43-8

Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Monooleate, Span 80, Emulsifier S80, E494, SMO, 1338-43-8

SORBITAN OLEATE (SPAN 80 - E494)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Sorbitan Oleate (Span 80) Structure:

                O
                ||
    HO—CH₂—CH—CH—CH—CH—O—C—(CH₂)₇—CH═CH—(CH₂)₇—CH₃
         |   |
        OH  OH

Structure Description:

• Non-ionic surfactant (W/O emulsifier).

• Ester of sorbitol (dehydrated to sorbitan) with oleic acid.

• Contains one fatty acid chain (monooleate).

• HLB value ~4.3 (lipophilic, water-in-oil emulsifier).

• Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and organic solvents.

• Amphiphilic molecule.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: SPAN 80 (E494) vs OTHER SORBITAN ESTERS

SECTION 4: MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION PROCESS

Industrial Production Method:

Process Flow:
Sorbitol → Dehydration → Sorbitan → Esterification (Oleic Acid + Catalyst) → Span 80 → Decolorization → Filtration → Final Product

Step-by-Step Description:

Step 1: Sorbitol Dehydration
Sorbitol is heated in a stainless steel reactor with a dehydrating catalyst (phosphoric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid) at high temperature (~150°C). Water is removed over several hours.

Step 2: Esterification
Oleic acid (preheated to 90°C) and esterification catalyst (KOH or NaOH) are added to the dehydrated sorbitol. The mixture is heated to 210°C under nitrogen atmosphere for 4-5 hours. Esterification proceeds until acid value is less than 8 mg KOH/g.

Step 3: Cooling and Separation
The reaction mixture is cooled and allowed to stand for 24 hours. The lower layer (black jelly) is separated and discarded. The upper clear layer is collected.

Step 4: Decolorization
The upper layer is heated to ~65°C in a decolorization kettle. Activated carbon is added for decolorization at 80-85°C for 1 hour.

Step 5: Filtration
The decolorized product is filtered to remove activated carbon and impurities.

Step 6: Dehydration
The filtrate is dehydrated under vacuum for 5 hours to obtain the final product.

Alternative Method: Direct esterification of sorbitol with oleic acid at 180-280°C.

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: SAMPLE FORMULATIONS

Cosmetic Cream (W/O Emulsion):

Instructions: Combine Span 80 and Tween 80 in oil phase; Heat oil and water phases to 70-75°C; Add water phase to oil phase with high-shear mixing; Cool with stirring.

Food Emulsion (Margarine):

Instructions: Add Span 80 to oil phase; Combine phases with emulsification; Chill and knead.

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: None (Not classified as hazardous)

Hazard Pictograms: None

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• GRAS Status: FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.842); EFSA approved (E494); Safe for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic use.

• Very Low Toxicity: LD50 > 39,800 mg/kg (one of the safest emulsifiers).

• W/O Emulsifier: Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier with HLB ~4.3.

• Synergistic with Tween: Best performance when combined with Tween (polysorbate) emulsifiers.

• Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture from air; Store in tightly closed containers.

• Combustible: Keep away from open flames and high heat.

• Incompatibility: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

• Insoluble in Water: Disperses in oils and organic solvents.

• Vegan: Derived from plant-based sources (sorbitol and oleic acid); Suitable for vegan and halal applications (with certification).

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Food Industry: Use as W/O emulsifier; Margarine, chocolate, ice cream, bread; Dosage: 1.5 g/kg max (juice beverages: 0.05 g/kg); Combine with Tween for optimal performance.

• Cosmetics: Use as W/O emulsifier; Creams, lotions, makeup; Dosage: 1-3%; Combine with Tween (HLB adjustment); Dissolve in oil phase.

• Pharmaceutical: Use as emulsifier, solubilizer, excipient; Injections, oral liquids, ointments, suppositories; Dosage: 0.5-5%.

• Emulsion Explosives: Use as primary emulsifier; Stabilizes W/O explosive emulsions; Dosage: 0.5-3%.

• Textile & Leather: Use as lubricant and softener; Fiber processing; Dosage: 0.5-3%.

• Handling: Use at room temperature; Warm gently if solidified; Use appropriate mixing systems for dispersion.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing (minimal risk).

• Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; Maintain good industrial hygiene.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed containers; Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from light and moisture; Avoid exposure to air; Opened containers must be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 24-48 months under proper conditions.

• Spill Management: Absorb with inert material (sand, vermiculite); Contain and collect; Avoid entry into drains or waterways.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Non-hazardous waste; Can be incinerated or recycled.

DETECTION METHODS:

SPAN 80 (E494) vs ALTERNATIVES COMPARISON:

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.