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Sorbitan Monooleate is a nonionic surfactant consisting commercially of partial oleic acid esters of sorbitol and its dehydration products.
Sorbitan Monooleate combines a lipophilic fatty acid chain with a hydroxyl-containing polyol structure, giving the commercial material a low hydrophilic–lipophilic balance.
Sorbitan Monooleate serves principally as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, wetting agent, and dispersant in industrial formulations and appropriately specified cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food applications.
CAS Number: 1338-43-8
EC Number: 215-665-4
Molecular Formula: Variable commercial ester composition; C₂₄H₄₄O₆ for the nominal monoester
Molecular Weight: Variable commercial mixture; approximately 428.6 g/mol for the nominal monoester
Synonyms: Sorbitan oleate, Sorbitane monooleate, Sorbitan monooleic acid ester, Sorbitan oleic acid monoester, Sorbitan mono-(9Z)-octadecenoate, (Z)-Sorbitan mono-9-octadecenoate, Anhydrosorbitol monooleate, SMO, Span 80, E494, INS 494, EINECS 215-665-4, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Mono-Oleate, Sorbitan Monooleate, Sorbitan Mono-(9Z)-9-Octadecenoate, Sorbitan Mono-9-Octadecenoate, Anhydrosorbitol Monooleate, 1,4-Anhydrosorbitol Monooleate, D-Glucitol 1,4-Anhydro-6-(9-Octadecenoate), 1,4-Anhydro-D-Glucitol 6-(9-Octadecenoate), [(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-Dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] (Z)-Octadec-9-enoate, [(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-Dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] (Z)-Octadec-9-enoate, Span 80, Span-80, Span® 80, S 80, S-80, Arlacel 80, Alkamuls SMO, Armotan MO, Dehymuls SMO, Lonzest SMO, Glycomul O, Sorbitan O, Crill 4, Sorbester P 17, Disponil 100, Montan 80, Montane 80, Montane 80 VGA, Newcol 80, Nonion OP 80R, Nissan Nonion OP 80R, Sorgen 40, Sorgen 40A, Radiasurf 7155, Rheodol AO 10, Rheodol SP-O 10, Nikkol SO-15, Ionet S-80, Atmer 05, Emasol 410, Rikemal O 250, O 250, S 270, S 271, S-MAX 80, Mannide Monooleate, Mannide Monooleate Liquid, Mannide Monooleate From Plant, Sorbitani Oleas, Oleate de Sorbitan, Oleato de Sorbitan, Oleato de Sorbitano, E 494, E-494, E494, INS 494, INS No. 494
APPLICATIONS
Sorbitan Monooleate functions as a lipophilic emulsifier for water-in-oil systems in which aqueous droplets are dispersed within a continuous oil phase.
Sorbitan Monooleate concentrates at the oil–water interface, where its polar and nonpolar structural regions help reduce interfacial tension.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports the formation of emulsions containing vegetable oils, mineral oils, and other compatible lipophilic ingredients.
Sorbitan Monooleate requires selection against the particular oil phase, processing conditions, and desired emulsion stability because its low HLB does not provide universal emulsification performance.
Sorbitan Monooleate contributes to oil-in-water emulsion stabilization when combined with more hydrophilic surfactants, particularly polysorbate 80.
Sorbitan Monooleate provides the lipophilic component of an emulsifier blend whose overall HLB can be adjusted to match the oil phase.
Sorbitan Monooleate allows formulators to balance interfacial affinity across systems containing different oils and waxes.
Sorbitan Monooleate remains chemically distinct from polysorbate 80, which is an ethoxylated surfactant with substantially greater hydrophilicity.
Sorbitan Monooleate supplies wetting and emulsifying functions in selected industrial processing formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps compatible liquid ingredients distribute across interfaces rather than remain as separate bulk phases.
Sorbitan Monooleate also finds application in selected antifoam and defoamer formulations, where performance depends on the complete formulation and process medium.
Sorbitan Monooleate should be evaluated under actual operating conditions because a surfactant can stabilize or destabilize foam depending on its concentration, compatibility, and interfacial behavior.
Sorbitan Monooleate serves as an emulsifier for mineral oils in agricultural formulation systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate provides a low-HLB component for emulsifier packages designed around an oil-containing concentrate or emulsion.
Sorbitan Monooleate can be combined with complementary surfactants when the finished formulation must disperse an oil phase into water.
Sorbitan Monooleate requires verification of formulation stability, crop compatibility, and applicable pesticide or adjuvant requirements before agricultural use.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports water-in-oil emulsification in cosmetic creams and other oil-continuous personal care formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate is particularly useful with unsaturated lipid ingredients, including vegetable oils and oleyl alcohol.
Sorbitan Monooleate contributes to emulsion consistency and physical stability through its activity at the interface between aqueous and oily components.
Sorbitan Monooleate must meet the quality, impurity, and regulatory requirements appropriate to the specific cosmetic product and market.
Sorbitan Monooleate acts as a pigment wetting agent and dispersant in selected color cosmetic formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate facilitates incorporation of solid pigments into compatible lipophilic vehicles by improving contact between the particle surface and surrounding liquid.
Sorbitan Monooleate also supports dispersion of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in suitable sun care formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate performs an auxiliary formulation function in these products, while sunscreen authorization and finished-product performance depend on the active ingredients, complete formulation, and applicable regulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate functions as an emulsifying and dispersing excipient in appropriately specified pharmaceutical formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps wet and distribute materials such as zinc oxide and calamine in compatible lipophilic topical bases.
Sorbitan Monooleate can contribute to emulsion stabilization alongside hydrophilic emulsifiers when the dosage form requires a balanced surfactant system.
Sorbitan Monooleate requires pharmaceutical-grade qualification, suitable impurity controls, and confirmation of acceptability for the intended dosage form and administration route.
Sorbitan Monooleate has an established food-additive identity as E494 or INS 494 for permitted emulsifying and stabilizing applications.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps maintain the distribution of otherwise poorly compatible ingredients in authorized food formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate intended for food use must satisfy the relevant identity and purity specifications rather than merely carry the same chemical name or CAS number.
Sorbitan Monooleate may be incorporated only where the applicable jurisdiction permits the particular food category, technological purpose, and use level.
DESCRIPTION
Sorbitan Monooleate belongs to the sorbitan fatty acid ester family and is commercially a compositionally variable ester material.
Sorbitan Monooleate contains 1,4-sorbitan monooleate as a major constituent, together with related components that can include isosorbide monooleate, sorbitan dioleate, and sorbitan trioleate.
Sorbitan Monooleate therefore should not be described as a universally pure, single molecular species solely because a nominal formula and molecular weight are available.
Sorbitan Monooleate composition depends on the starting fatty acid distribution, extent of esterification, and manufacturing specification.
Sorbitan Monooleate possesses ester linkages, residual hydroxyl groups, and an unsaturated fatty acid component that collectively determine its interfacial behavior.
Sorbitan Monooleate has a representative HLB of approximately 4.3, indicating a predominantly lipophilic balance.
Sorbitan Monooleate is insoluble in cold water, although dispersion in warm water or formulated surfactant systems is possible.
Sorbitan Monooleate contains no deliberately introduced polyoxyethylene chains in its conventional nonethoxylated identity.
Sorbitan Monooleate is generally supplied as a viscous yellow, amber, or brownish oily liquid at ordinary room temperature.
Sorbitan Monooleate has a representative density near 0.99 g/cm³ around 20°C, with modest variation between commercial grades.
Sorbitan Monooleate becomes easier to transfer as viscosity decreases with increasing temperature, although heating must remain within the grade-specific handling recommendations.
Sorbitan Monooleate does not have a single universally applicable sharp melting point or normal boiling point because commercial composition and thermal behavior vary.
Sorbitan Monooleate quality is characterized through properties such as acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value, water content, color, and viscosity.
Sorbitan Monooleate technical, cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, and laboratory grades may differ in specifications and intended suitability.
Sorbitan Monooleate remains stable under normal recommended storage conditions but should be protected from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and incompatible oxidizing materials.
Sorbitan Monooleate is generally supplied without hazardous classification under representative CLP and OSHA safety documentation, although the current regional supplier SDS governs the classification of the actual grade.
PROPERTIES
Product Name: Sorbitan Monooleate
Common Name: Sorbitan monooleate
INCI Name: Sorbitan Oleate
Chemical Family: Sorbitan fatty acid esters
Functional Class: Nonionic surfactant; lipophilic emulsifier and dispersant
CAS Number: 1338-43-8
EC Number: 215-665-4
Composition: Commercial mixture of partial oleic acid esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides
Nominal Monoester Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₄₄O₆
Nominal Monoester Molecular Weight: Approximately 428.6 g/mol
Physical State: Generally a viscous liquid at room temperature
Appearance: Yellow to amber or brownish oily liquid; grade dependent
Odor: Slight characteristic odor
Representative Density: Approximately 0.99 g/cm³ around 20°C
Representative Dynamic Viscosity: Approximately 1,000–2,000 mPa·s at 20°C for selected commercial grades
Representative Refractive Index: Approximately 1.48
Representative HLB: Approximately 4.3
Water Solubility: Insoluble in cold water; dispersible in warm water
Organic Solvent Solubility: Soluble in ethanol; compatibility with other solvents depends on temperature and grade
Melting or Congealing Behavior: Composition and grade dependent
Boiling Point: No single well-established value applicable to all commercial grades
Purity: Defined by the applicable ester composition and grade specification
Primary Industrial Function: Emulsification, emulsion stabilization, wetting, and dispersion
Food Additive Designation: E494 / INS 494 for qualifying material and permitted uses
Regulatory Suitability: Exact grade, application, jurisdiction, and applicable specifications dependent
Shelf Life: Grade, purity, packaging, storage conditions, and manufacturer dependent GHS Classification: Generally not classified as hazardous in representative supplier documentation; verify the current regional SDS
Signal Word: None for grades supplied without hazardous classification
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents; consult the grade-specific SDS for additional incompatibilities
Thermal-Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating or toxic fumes during combustion
UN Number: Not assigned for grades supplied as non-dangerous goods
Transport Class: Generally not regulated under ADR, IMDG, or IATA for the neat commercial material
Packing Group: Not applicable when not regulated
Storage Conditions: Closed containers protected from excessive heat, ignition sources, and direct sunlight
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air following exposure to mist or heated fumes.
Obtain medical attention if respiratory discomfort or other symptoms persist.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Eye Contact:
Immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if easily possible and obtain medical advice if discomfort continues.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth and do not induce vomiting.
Contact a medical professional or poison information service if symptoms occur or a significant quantity has been swallowed.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically according to the exposure and clinical condition.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid unnecessary skin and eye contact and minimize formation of mist.
Wash hands after handling and before eating or drinking.
Engineering Controls:
Provide adequate ventilation, particularly during heated processing or operations that generate aerosols.
Maintain accessible eyewash facilities.
Personal Protection:
Wear suitable protective gloves, work clothing, and safety glasses or splash goggles according to the task.
Respiratory Protection:
Respiratory protection is generally unnecessary during normal handling with adequate ventilation.
Assess additional protection where mist or fumes cannot be adequately controlled.
Storage:
Keep containers closed and protect them from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and ignition sources.
Follow the manufacturer’s specified storage temperature.
Material Compatibility:
Segregate from strong oxidizing agents and other incompatibilities identified in the current SDS.
Spill Procedures:
Treat contaminated floors as slippery.
Contain the spill, absorb with inert material, and collect in labeled waste containers.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent uncontrolled discharge to drains, soil, groundwater, or surface water.
Fire Response:
Use foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, or water spray as appropriate.
Avoid forceful water jets that spread the spill.
Firefighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Waste Disposal:
Dispose of residues, absorbents, and contaminated packaging according to applicable local requirements.
