Sorbitan laurate
Synonyms
Sorbitan, esters, monododecanoate;
Sorbitan, monododecanoate;
Sorbitan, monolaurate;
Sorbitan monolaurate;
Anhydrosorbitol monolaurate;
Lauric acid sorbitan ester;
Span 20;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
> Ester
>> Sugar Alcohol, Dehydrated Sugar Alcohol and their Derivative Esters
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 1338-39-2
EINECS: 215-663-3
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C18H34O6
Molecular Weight: 346.46
Structure
Schematic formula:
Properties
Appearance (1), pale yellow to tawny liquid.
Solubility slightly soluble in water; or dispersible in water.
Stability stable. Under strong acid or strong alkali condition, easily hydrolyzed.
Risk Liquid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
rat oral LD50 |
33600mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent lubricating, dispersing, emulsifying, solubilizing abilities.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 25551 Food safety national standard -- Food additive -- Sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20)
(1b), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition) Sorbitan laurate
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as lubricant.
Use as dispersing agent, emulsifying agent.
Use as plasticizer.
2, Personal care products
Emulsifying agent in personal care products.
3, Food
Use as food additive (emulsifying agent).
4, Medicine
Pharmaceutical excipient, use as emulsifying agent, antifoaming agnet. (This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 1338-39-2, Sorbitan monolaurate
Update: 20200712(1);