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EC / List no.: 215-664-9
CAS no.: 1338-41-6
Mol. formula: C24H46O6
Sorbitan monostearate (E 491) is an ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is primarily used as an emulsifier to keep water and oils mixed.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in the manufacture of food and healthcare products and is a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is also employed to create synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, and brighteners in the leather industry, and as an emulsifier in coatings, pesticides, and various applications in the plastics, food and cosmetics industries. Sorbitans are also known as "Spans".
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) has been approved by the European Union for use as a food additive (emulsifier) (E number: E 491).
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate), often abbreviated as SMS or Span 60, is an emulsifier made from sorbitol and stearic acids. Emulsifiers are often used to stabilize oil and water mixtures, allowing the two ingredients to combine.
They can be found in several pre packaged and processed foods like mayonnaise, margarine, ice cream, salad dressings, peanut butter, creamy sauces and bread.
However, the emulsifier E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is mainly used in baking yeast to improve the activity of instant dry yeast when the yeast is rehydrated before use.
Uses:
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in the manufacture of food and healthcare products as a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is also employed to create synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, and as a brightener in the leather industry. Sorbitans are also known as "Spans".
sorbitan stearate is an emulsifier for water-in-oil creams and lotions, and a solubilizer of essential oils in water.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) results from the reaction of stearic acid with sorbitol and is, therefore, synthetically produced from naturally derived materials.
Used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in foods, cosmetics, and medicinal products, as lubricant and softener in textiles, as surfactant for pharmaceuticals.
Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer for plastics and agricultural chemicals
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) has been approved by the European Union for use as a food additive (emulsifier) (E number: E 491).
is also approved for use by the British Pharmacopoeia.
Chemical Properties
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) has a bland odor and taste.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is a mixture of partial stearic and palmitic acid esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides.
For additional details of description, refer to Burdock (1997).
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is a lipophilic emulsifier that is a sorbitan fatty acid ester, being a sorbitol-derived analog of glycerol monostearate.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is a nonionic, oil-dispersible surface-active agent.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used as a gloss enhancer in chocolate coatings; as a dispersant aid in coffee whiteners; to increase volume in cakes and icings; and often in combination with polysorbates.
Typical usage level ranges from 0.30 to 0.70%.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is a sorbitan ester used for emulsification.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) KFG is used as emulsifier for baked goods, icings & filings and whipped toppings.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is also used as a rehydration aid (production of active dry yeast) and as synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used as a pigment dispersion additive for PP color concentrates and as an antistatic agent for PVC.
Preparation:
Prepared by reacting edible commercial stearic acid (usually containing associated fatty acids, chiefly palmitic) with sorbitol.
Brown yellow wax, insoluble in water, dispersed in hot water as emulsion.
Soluble in hot oil, fatty acids and various organic solvents.
Acid and alkali resistance, good chemical stability to metal ions.
Compatible with non-ionic, Most anionic and cationic surfactants.
With emulsification, dispersion, thickening, lubrication and rust resistance.
Industry Uses
• Agricultural chemicals (non-pesticidal)
• Functional fluids (closed systems)
• Processing aids, not otherwise listed
• Processing aids, specific to petroleum production
• Solids separation agents
• Surface active agents
Consumer Uses
• Cleaning and furnishing care products
• Non-TSCA use
• Pet Care/ Veterinary
Household & Commercial/Institutional Products
• Auto Products
• Personal Care
• Pet Care
General Manufacturing Information
Industry Processing Sectors
• Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
• All other basic organic chemical manufacturing
• All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
• Computer and electronic product manufacturing
• Oil and gas drilling, extraction, and support activities
• Paint and coating manufacturing
• Paper manufacturing
• Plastic material and resin manufacturing
• Plastics product manufacturing
• Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing
• Synthetic rubber manufacturing
• Textiles, apparel, and leather manufacturing
• Utilities
Properties
Appearance
A white to yellow waxy bead or flake with a slight characteristic smell.
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
With the HLB value 4.7, meaning it is lipophilic and soluble in oil instead of water.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) will form W/O (water-in-oil) type emulsion, and it is a strong emulsifying dispersion and has a wetting effect.
Solubility
Not soluble in cold water, but can be dispersed in hot water.
Soluble in ethanol, mineral oil, and vegetable oil.
What’re the Uses of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate)?
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used as an emulsifier, commonly together with polysorbates to keep water and oil mixed in many food products.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is commonly used in instant dry yeast, fat and oil emulsions, desserts, food supplements, cake, spread, margarine, coffee whiteners, and so on.
The following are its main uses and functions in food:
Dry yeast: maintain the moisture, increase the shelf life of dry yeast, and help the rehydration of yeast cells before blended with other dough ingredients.
Ice cream: promote emulsifying of dairy fat, prevent the formation of ice crystals, and improve the mouthfeel.
Margarine: improve emulsion stability and reduce sandiness.
Whipping cream: improve foam volume and contribute to a nice and stiff foam.
Bread & Cake: increase the loaf volume and improve the texture of bread and cake.
Confections and chocolate: stabilize the emulsion of oils and fats.
Meanwhile, it can be condensed with ethylene oxide to synthesize polyoxyethylene (20) E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) (polysorbate 60), which is also a food emulsifier.
How Is E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) Made?
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste and is often used as a sugar replacement in snack foods such as mints, cookies, cakes, bread and chewing gum. It's most often made from starched corn and potatoes that undergo a hydrogenation process.
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in animal fats and oils and vegetable oils.
Aside from its use in everyday food products, it's also used in the production of cosmetics, soaps and detergents.
For stearic acid to be used in food, it must meet specific requirements and pass FDA standards.
How Is E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) Used?
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) acts as an emulsifier in various food products.
Though it's most commonly used in instant dry yeast, it's also found in desserts, food supplements, cake, margarine, spread, etc.
Here's a quick overview of the most common E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) food items.
Dry Yeast
Most commonly used in active dry yeast, sorbitan monostearate helps the yeast maintain its moisture while drastically extending its shelf life.
Just a tiny amount of this emulsifier can help aid in the rehydration of yeast cells before they're mixed with other ingredients.
Ice Cream
When used in dairy products like ice cream, E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) promotes the emulsifying of dairy fat and prevents the formation of ice crystals—ultimately helping all ingredients combine into smooth ice cream that is easy on the palate.
Margarine
Like ice cream, adding E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) to margarine improves the overall texture of the food and reduces any sandiness created by the combination of ingredients.
Whipping Cream
Just a tiny amount of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) can help improve the volume and texture of whipping cream to create a pleasant and stiff foam.
Bread and Cake
When used in bread and cake recipes, E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) helps to increase the loaf volume and improve the texture of baked goods.
Chocolate
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in many confections and chocolate recipes to help stabilize the emulsion of the oils and fats, creating a well-blended, great-tasting treat.
What is E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate), and what does it do?
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) belongs to the group of emulsifiers.
An emulsifier is a substance that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
This means that if you add an emulsifier to a mix of oil and water, the droplets of oil will be broken up into smaller particles, so they stay suspended in the water instead of separating.
Emulsifiers are usually amphiphilic molecules because one end absorbs oil/water interfaces while the other absorbs in the bulk water phase.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) has many different names in everyday use, for example, E433 or Polysorbate 60.
Create stable food mixtures
Widespread use of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) as a surfactant/emulsifier in food production can prevent ingredients from separating and allow manufacturers to create stable food mixtures that would otherwise separate easily.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used as an emulsifier in many different products such as margarine, chocolate cream, and similar dairy spreads. People can also find it in confectionery and baked goods.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) has functions such as binding flavors, adjusting viscosity, and stabilizing against the heat degradation of specific components.
What is E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate), and what does it accomplish?
Check what you have at home that you suspect contains this ingredient.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is found in various products, so it's not difficult to find a list of items that include it.
A few things to look out for are margarine, spreads, chocolates, and even cosmetics.
If you're curious what else might have this ingredient, take a glance at the label before purchasing!
Stabilizes oil and water variety
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is an amphiphilic molecule that stabilizes oil and water mixtures by breaking up droplets of oil into smaller particles that stay suspended in the water instead of separating.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) functions as a binding of flavors, adjusting viscosity and stabilization against heat degradation of specific components.
If you're curious what else might have this ingredient, take a glance at the label before purchasing!
Versatile compound used in various applications
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) can used in various applications, including food production and personal care products.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is a synthetic compound that is derived from sugar alcohols.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is often used as an emulsifier or thickener.
People can also use it to stabilize foams.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is generally considered to be safe for human use.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is not known to cause any adverse effects in humans.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is also non-toxic.
This surfactant can be found in various personal care products, including shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is also used in many food products, including ice cream, cake mixes, and salad dressings.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is a versatile compound that can be used in a wide range of applications.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is safe for human use and non-toxic, making it a popular choice for various products.
Save money while still providing a quality product
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is a common ingredient in many food products; what are some other ingredients that can be found within sorbitan?
Sorbitol and fatty acids.
Why would these two substances be used together with this compound?
The answer to this question leads us to fat replacement technology.
This process is used by food manufacturers for both functional purposes and cost savings.
For example, if you have an ice cream product with high levels of dairy fats, then using sorbitol will lower the calorie count without compromising on taste because it has no flavor profile.
In contrast, others may not like the texture, which could make them less likely to repurchase your product.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) also provides more flexibility when looking at what kind of fats can be used in a product.
For example, if a company wants to use a high-fat product in one of their items but the supply chain has run out of that particular type of oil, they can switch to sorbitol without negatively impacting the result.
Finally, it is cheaper than other fat replacements meaning that companies can save money while still providing a quality product.
An excellent multi-purpose combination
What is E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate)?
The most beneficial compound manufacturers have ever tried.
It's such an excellent compound to have E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) within the shelves.
We all know what it is, but what most people don't know is what they can use it.
It's not only used as an emulsifier; it has so many benefits. Let's explore and realize what E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) can accomplish with our favored products.
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Description
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is produced by the esterification of Sorbitol with commercial Stearic acid derived, and consists of approximately 95% of mixture of esters of sorbitol and its mono- and di-anhydrides.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is a light cream to tan coloured hard, waxy solid with a slight characteristic odour and bland taste.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is insoluble in water and dispersible in hot water.
Instant Active Dry Yeast
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is widely used in the production of instant dry yeast.
Yeast is treated with SMS prior to drying.
SMS protects yeast cells during the drying process and aids in the rehydration of yeast cells upon usage of yeast.
Yeast cells have a membrane which is located on the inside of the cell wall and this consists of lecithin and proteins.
The membrane acts as a natural barrier that keeps the essential yeast cells required for fermentation within the cell.
During the drying process this membrane becomes porous, the lecithin undergoes a liquid to solid transformation and makes the cell membrane less effective.
SMS acts as an alpha crystalline barrier and support for the cell membrane preventing the rupture of the membrane during the drying process as well as when the yeast is rehydrated.
Cakes and Fine Bakers Wares
SMS, when used in conjunction with Mono and Diglycerides and Polysorbate 60 provides cake batters with lower specific gravity, less gluten development, resulting in softer cakes with a uniform crumb structure.
Non Dairy Whipped Toppings/ Imitation Whipped Cream
Non Dairy Whipped Toppings are oil-in-water emulsions that contain lower quantities of fat and higher quantities of water.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is imperative that the fat phase be dispersed evenly within the water phase to allow a smooth creamy aerated cream which can maintain a stable stiffness after being whipped and used to decorate cakes.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate), in synergy with other emulsifiers like Polyglycerol Esters and Monoglycerides are able to perform these functions.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) also retards the crystal formation of fat due to the free-thaw that this produce goes through.
orbitan monostearate is a surfactant primarily used as an emulsifier.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) helps keep waters and oils mixed together. E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) also has dispersing and wetting properties.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in a wide variety of industries and products, including foods, cosmetics, synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, pesticides, plastics, and more.
Some of the common foods to include E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) are cake icing, pudding, imitation whipped cream, non-dairy creamers, yeast, and baked goods.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is sometimes referred to as Span 60, synthetic wax, or E491.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is made from sorbital and stearic acid.
Specifically, sorbitol is dehydrated into a substance called sorbitan .
Then stearic acid is added to create a mix of sorbitan esters, including E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate).
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) (Span 60) is a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties used as a food additive, additive in mixtures for drug use and in skin care products.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is approved for use by FDA in quantities not exceeding the amount reasonably required to accomplish the intended effect.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used for oil-in-water emulsions in combination with a high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance emulsifier to produce smooth lotions and creams in skin and hair care, make-up bases, and mild cleaning products.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) based organogels and vesicles (niosomes) formulated to enhance the oral bioavailability were characterized for use as a drug delivery vehicle.
In combination with other non-ionic surfactants E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is patented for use in vaccine formulations as a saponin-containing adjuvant for oil-in-water injectable emulsions.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is fatty acid ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid sometimes called synthetic wax. Has low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is Non-toxic.
About E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate)
Helpful information
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 1 000 tonnes per annum.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Consumer Uses
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, plant protection products, lubricants and greases, adhesives and sealants, polishes and waxes, fertilisers and coating products.
Other release to the environment of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters) and outdoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids).
Article service life
Other release to the environment of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is likely to occur from: indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment), outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials), outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)) and indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints). E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles. E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) can be found in products with material based on: plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones). E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is intended to be released from scented: clothes.
Widespread uses by professional workers
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, polishes and waxes and plant protection products.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
Other release to the environment of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Formulation or re-packing
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in the following products: polymers, lubricants and greases and textile treatment products and dyes.
Release to the environment of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
Uses at industrial sites
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, metal surface treatment products, polymers, textile treatment products and dyes, pH regulators and water treatment products and leather treatment products.
E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) is used for the manufacture of: food products and textile, leather or fur.
Release to the environment of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates) and as processing aid.
Manufacture
Release to the environment of E491 ( Sorbitan monostearate) can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance.
IUPAC NAMES:
(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl octadecanoate
1,4-anhydro-6-O-octadecanoyl-D-glucitol
1,4-anhydro-6-O-stearoyl-D-glucitol
[(2R)-2-[(3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] octadecanoate
[2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl]
[2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] octadecanoate
D-Glucitol, monooctadecanoate
Octadecanoic acid [2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-tetrahydrofuranyl]-2-hydroxyethyl] ester
Reaction products resulting from the esterification of Sorbitol with C16-18 (even) fatty acids in the ratio about 1:1
Reaction products resulting from the esterification of Sorbitol with C16-18 (even) fatty acids in the ratio about 1:1
Sorbital ester derivatives
Sorbitan monooctadecanoate
Sorbitan Monostearate
Sorbitan monostearate
Sorbitan monostearate
Sorbitan stearate
sorbitan stearate
Sorbitan Stearate
Sorbitan stearate
sorbitan stearate
Sorbitan sterate
Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate
sorbitan, monooctadecanoate
SYNONYMS:
FEMA 3028
EMALEX SPE-100S
ARLACEL 60
SPAN(TM) 60
SPAN 60
SPAN(R) 60
SPAN NO 60
SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE
SORBITAN STEARATE
SORBITANE MONOSTEARATE
1,4-Anhydro-6-o-stearoyl-D-glucitol
Span 60
Arlacel 60 Sorbitan Monostearate
Sorbitan Monosterate
Sorbitan Stearate Sorbitan monostearate
Span(rg 60
Span 60, CP
SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE FCC
SPAN (R) 60 HLB-VALUE 4.7
Sorbitan Monostearate (Span-60)
1,4-SORBITAN-MONOSTEARATE
Sorbitanstearat
Sorbitan monooctadecanoate
Glycomul(R) L K
Glycomul(R) S KFG
Barchlor 16S
Lonzest(R) SMS
SORBITANMONOSTEARATE,NF
Sorbitan Monostearate (Technical Grade)
SPAN 60 FOR SYNTHESIS 100 G
SPAN 60 FOR SYNTHESIS 500 G
Span 60 fandachem
Sorbitan monostearate fandachem
Food Additive Sorbitan Monostearate
SORBITAN/SPAN 60
Span 60 ISO 9001：2015 REACH
Sorbitan Monostearate Span 60 CAS No.?1338-41-6
Food Additive Sorbitan Monostearate Span 60 CAS 1338-41-6
Qpan 60
Sorbitan Monostearate (SPAN 60) extrapure
SPAN 60 Extra Pure
1338-41-6
Span 60
Sorbitan stearate
SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE
C24H46O6
[2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] octadecanoate
Span60
Span(R) 60
