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Sorbitan Monopalmitate is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier produced by esterifying sorbitan with palmitic acid, and Sorbitan Monopalmitate is widely used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions and to improve wetting and dispersion in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is commonly known as Span 40, and Sorbitan Monopalmitate is valued for lipophilic emulsification, good compatibility with many fats and waxes, and usefulness in emulsifier blends where HLB adjustment is needed.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is often used together with polysorbates to tune HLB and achieve stable emulsion systems, and Sorbitan Monopalmitate performance depends on oil polarity, temperature, and shear conditions.
CAS Number: 26266-58-0
EC Number: 247-568-1
Molecular Formula: C22H42O6
Molecular Weight: 402.57 g/mol
Synonyms: Sorbitan Monopalmitate, Span 40, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan 1-Monopalmitate, Palmitic Acid Sorbitan Ester, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Emulsifier, Nonionic Emulsifier Span 40, Sorbitan Palmitate Surfactant, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Food Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Surfactant, Span 40 Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monopalmitate, Sorbitan Mono Palmitate, Sorbitan Mono-Palmitate, Sorbitan Monopalmitic Acid Ester, Sorbitan Ester of Palmitic Acid, Sorbitan Monoester of Palmitic Acid, Sorbitan Palmitate Monoester, Sorbitan Monopalmitic Ester, Monopalmitate of Sorbitan, Sorbitan Hexadecanoate Monoester, Sorbitan Mono(hexadecanoate), Sorbitan Monoesters of Palmitic Acid, Sorbitan Palmitic Acid Monoester, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Food Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Technical Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Pharmaceutical Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Industrial Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Emulsifier Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Stabilizer Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Additive Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate NF, Sorbitan Monopalmitate FCC, Sorbitan Monopalmitate USP, Sorbitan Monopalmitate EP, Sorbitan Monopalmitate BP, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Pure, Sorbitan Monopalmitate High Purity, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Powder, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Pellets, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Flakes, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Waxy Solid, Sorbitan Monopalmitate White Solid, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Cream Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Lotion Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Ointment Grade, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Food Additive, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Surface Active Agent, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Nonionic Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Dispersing Agent, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Stabilizer, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Solubilizer, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Processing Aid, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Functional Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Bakery Additive, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Personal Care Additive, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Texture Modifier, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Creaming Agent, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Lipophilic Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monopalmitate Ester, Sorbitan Palmitate Ester, Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester, Sorbitan Palmitic Ester
APPLICATIONS
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in water-in-oil cosmetic creams to stabilize emulsions and improve texture and spreadability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is incorporated into cold creams and rich moisturizers to maintain stable emulsion structure during storage.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in sunscreen emulsions where robust W/O stabilization supports water resistance and stability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in food emulsions to stabilize fat-based systems and improve texture in compatible products.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is incorporated into bakery fats and shortenings to improve fat handling and emulsion stability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in confectionery coatings to improve flow and reduce fat separation in compatible systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in pharmaceutical creams and ointments to stabilize emulsions and improve product consistency.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is incorporated into topical emulsions to improve stability of oil phases and reduce separation.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in oral and topical formulations as a nonionic emulsifier where compatibility and safety requirements are met.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in makeup products such as foundations and concealers to improve pigment wetting and dispersion in oil phases.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is incorporated into lipsticks and balms to improve uniformity and reduce pigment agglomeration.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in anhydrous makeup systems to improve spread and reduce grittiness.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in fragrance and essential oil solubilization systems as part of emulsifier blends to improve clarity and stability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is incorporated into emulsifier packages with polysorbates to tune HLB and reduce clouding.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in microemulsions to stabilize oil droplets and improve long-term stability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-water systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is incorporated into cutting fluids to improve emulsion stability and reduce phase separation.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in corrosion inhibitor emulsions to improve distribution and wetting on metal surfaces.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in coatings and inks to improve wetting and dispersion of pigments and fillers in oil-rich systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is incorporated into pigment concentrates to reduce surface tension and improve milling efficiency.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in resin and polymer processing to stabilize emulsions in compatible manufacturing steps.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in food-grade release agents and processing aids to reduce sticking and improve demolding in compatible operations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is incorporated into pan release formulations to improve uniform coverage and reduce tearing.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is valued because Sorbitan Monopalmitate provides reliable lipophilic emulsification and dispersion performance across many fat-rich systems, especially when blended to reach target HLB.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used as a low-HLB nonionic emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable dispersion of water droplets inside oil phases.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps reduce phase separation in fat-continuous formulations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in food emulsions to stabilize water-in-oil systems in some applications.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable structure in fat-based spreads and specialty emulsions.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve texture stability by controlling droplet size.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in margarine and spreads to stabilize water-in-oil emulsion structure.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports smooth texture and reduces water weeping.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve spreadability across temperature ranges.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in bakery shortenings to improve emulsification of minor aqueous ingredients in fat systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports more uniform distribution of water, flavors, and salts in fat phase.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve consistency and plasticity of bakery fats.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in cake and biscuit production as an emulsifier in some formulations to improve fat dispersion.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports uniform batter behavior and improved texture in selected baked goods.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps reduce oil separation and improves mouthfeel in certain recipes.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in whipped toppings to stabilize fat-based systems and improve foam structure in some designs.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable air incorporation and reduced foam collapse.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve texture stability in aerated desserts.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in ice cream as an emulsifier to influence fat destabilization and texture.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable air cell structure and smoother meltdown behavior.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps reduce ice crystal growth during frozen storage.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in frozen desserts to improve microstructure stability during temperature cycling.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports heat shock resistance in distribution.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps maintain creamy texture and stable meltdown.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in confectionery fat fillings to improve fat dispersion and reduce oiling-off.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports smoother praline and nut creams in some systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve texture stability of fillings during storage.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in chocolate and confectionery as a processing aid in some formulations to improve fat-phase dispersion.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports improved flow and reduced processing defects in selected systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve coating uniformity in fat-based confectionery.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in flavor and fragrance concentrates to stabilize dispersions in oil phases.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports uniform distribution of aroma compounds in oil-based concentrates.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve stability of concentrates during storage.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in emulsified flavor systems as part of surfactant blends to control droplet size.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable emulsions when paired with higher-HLB surfactants.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps maintain uniform flavor distribution in beverages.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in beverage cloud emulsions as a co-emulsifier in some systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable oil droplets that provide turbidity.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps reduce creaming and ring formation in beverages.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in vitamin emulsions to disperse fat-soluble vitamins in aqueous systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable emulsions before spray drying or filling.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve uniform dosing of vitamins and oils.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in pharmaceuticals as a nonionic emulsifier for topical and oral formulations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports solubilization of lipophilic actives in emulsions.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps stabilize creams, ointments, and suspensions.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in ointments to improve consistency and active dispersion.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable texture and reduced oil separation in ointment bases.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve spreadability on skin.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in creams and lotions as a W/O emulsifier or co-emulsifier in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable emulsions with good sensory glide.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps reduce separation during storage of oil-rich creams.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in sunscreens to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in some designs.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports uniform dispersion of oil-soluble UV filters.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve water resistance and film uniformity on skin.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in foundations and concealers based on water-in-oil emulsion architecture.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable emulsions with good payoff and spread.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps reduce separation during storage of W/O makeup.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in lipsticks and lip glosses in some formulations to improve pigment wetting.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports uniform pigment distribution and reduced settling.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve smoothness and color consistency in lip products.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in pigment dispersions to improve wetting of hydrophilic pigments in oils.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable, high-pigment dispersions in nonpolar systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps reduce viscosity spikes and improves milling efficiency.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in hair conditioners and masks to improve emulsion stability in some systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports uniform distribution of oils and conditioning agents.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve slip and manageability on hair.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in cleansing oils and cleansing balms to support emulsification during rinse-off.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports transformation from oil phase to milky rinse when water is added.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve makeup removal and rinseability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in fragrance emulsions and solubilization systems in some aqueous products.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports dispersion of perfume oils in water-based sprays when paired with co-surfactants.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps maintain stability and reduce separation in fragrance mists.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in emulsified concentrates for flavors, fragrances, and actives as a stabilizer.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports production of stable concentrates for dilution.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps reduce creaming and separation in stored concentrates.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in industrial emulsions such as lubricants and metalworking fluids in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable oil-in-water emulsions for cutting and cooling fluids.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve wetting of metal surfaces in machining.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in textile processing as a wetting and emulsifying agent in some steps.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports wetting of fibers and dispersion of oils in scouring baths.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve uniform processing in textile operations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in leather processing to emulsify oils and improve penetration in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports more uniform fatliquoring and finishing.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve softness and reduce surface greasiness.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in agrochemical formulations as an emulsifier in some emulsifiable concentrates.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stable emulsification of hydrophobic actives in water.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve spray coverage and penetration.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in household cleaners as an emulsifier for oily soils in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports dispersion of greasy soils in cleaning solutions.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve cleaning performance on kitchen surfaces.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in laboratory research as a nonionic surfactant for emulsion studies.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports controlled interfacial tension and droplet stabilization experiments.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps create reproducible emulsions for testing.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in quality control to benchmark emulsifier performance and HLB selection in formulations.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports stability testing under heat and shear.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps optimize emulsifier blends for robust products.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in manufacturing troubleshooting to address emulsion breaking, oil separation, and poor W/O stability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports corrective adjustment of emulsifier system and mixing conditions.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps restore product stability when root causes are controlled.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is used in product development to create stable W/O emulsions with improved sensory glide.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate supports balancing of emulsion stability and spreadability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate helps improve consumer feel and reduces greasy separation.
DESCRIPTION
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is a sorbitan ester derived from dehydration of sorbitol followed by esterification with palmitic acid, and Sorbitan Monopalmitate is typically a waxy solid or semi-solid depending on grade.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is a low-HLB emulsifier suited for water-in-oil systems, and Sorbitan Monopalmitate is often paired with higher-HLB emulsifiers such as polysorbates to stabilize oil-in-water systems when needed.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate stabilizes emulsions by reducing interfacial tension and forming interfacial films, and Sorbitan Monopalmitate also improves wetting and dispersion of solids in oils.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate performance depends on oil polarity, temperature, and shear, and warm processing can improve dispersion and speed of emulsification.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is generally compatible with many oils, waxes, and nonionic surfactants, but electrolytes and extreme pH can affect stability of some emulsion systems.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate should be selected based on purity, color, odor, and regulatory grade, especially for food and pharmaceutical use.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate can be melted for processing, and controlled heating helps achieve uniform dispersion without overheating.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate should be used according to supplier specifications and applicable regulations for the intended market and product category.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is a nonionic surfactant made by esterifying sorbitan with palmitic acid.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is commonly known as Span 40 and is used as an emulsifier and dispersant.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is typically a waxy solid or semi-solid with lipophilic character.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate has a low HLB value, so it tends to favor water-in-oil emulsions and oil-phase applications.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is often used with higher-HLB surfactants such as polysorbates to balance emulsion type.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate stabilizes emulsions by lowering interfacial tension and forming an interfacial film.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is widely used in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial emulsions for improved stability and wetting.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate performance depends on oil phase composition, temperature, electrolyte level, and processing shear.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate can influence texture and mouthfeel in foods by controlling droplet size and emulsion stability.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is generally stable but can oxidize depending on fatty acid quality and storage conditions.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate should be stored in tightly closed containers away from heat, light, and strong oxidizers.
Sorbitan Monopalmitate is valued for versatile emulsification, good compatibility, and predictable performance in formulated products.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C22H42O6
Molecular Weight: 402.57 g/mol
Common Name: Sorbitan Monopalmitate (Span 40)
Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant; sorbitan ester emulsifier
Appearance: Waxy solid to semi-solid (grade dependent)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Soluble in oils and fats; insoluble in water; forms emulsions with proper processing
HLB Value: ~6.7 (typical)
Function: W/O emulsifier, wetting agent, dispersant, solubilization aid in blends
Melting Range: ~45–55°C (typical; grade dependent)
Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid strong oxidizers and excessive heat
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust or heated fumes are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during hot handling.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
For molten product contact, cool the area with water and seek medical attention for burns.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, especially when handling molten material.
Avoid splashing into eyes and avoid prolonged skin contact with hot product.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust if heated processing generates fumes or aerosols.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without adequate airflow.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
Protect from direct sunlight and strong oxidizers.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
For solids, collect spilled material and clean residues to prevent slip hazards.
For molten spills, allow to cool and solidify, then remove mechanically.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Select Sorbitan Monopalmitate with appropriate HLB strategy and blend with polysorbates when an oil-in-water emulsion is required.
Control processing temperature to fully melt and disperse Sorbitan Monopalmitate for consistent emulsification performance.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable emulsification performance.
