СОРБИТАНЛАУРАТ

Description

Sorbitan laurate is a nonionic surfactant, monoester of sorbitan and lauric acid; systematic name 1,4-anhydro-6-O-dodecanoyl-D-glucitol. The same product is marketed under the brand name Span 20 and under the food index E 493; CAS number 1337-30-0 is assigned to sorbitan laurate, while the commercial mixture of partial esters is more often registered under number 1338-39-2. The HLB value of 8.6 is the upper limit of the series of sorbitan esters.

Identification

• CAS No.: 1337-30-0
• Chemical formula: C18H34O6
• English name: SORBITANLAURATE
• Systematic name: 1,4-anhydro-6-O-dodecanoyl-D-glucitol
• Class: nonionic surfactants, sorbitan esters

Basic Attributes

• Molecular Weight: 346.45900
• Exact weight: 346.23600
• PSA Specifications: 96.22000
• XLogP3: 1.93200
• Density: 1.123 g/cm³
• Boiling point: 516.121 °C at 760 mm Hg. Art.
• Flash point: 176.947 °C

What do these numbers mean for work?

A flash point of about 177 °C classifies the product as low-flammable: at normal processing temperatures, ignition does not occur. A calculated boiling point above 500 °C means that the substance decomposes before it boils - distillation is not applicable as a purification method. The XLogP3 value of 1.93 at PSA 96.2 reflects the balance between the long lauric chain and the polyol head group, due to which the surfactant works at the interface.

Scope of application

• emulsifier for water-in-oil systems in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations
• emulsifier of food fat systems, index E 493
• wetting agent and dispersant in paint, polymer and textile compositions
• component of emulsifying pairs with polysorbates to select the required HLB
• emulsifier for ointment bases and oil dispersions in pharmaceutical production

Storage and handling

Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dry place, protect from moisture. The ester bond hydrolyzes in the presence of water upon contact with strong acids and alkalis. Avoid contact with skin and eyes; wear gloves.