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Span 80 is used as a wetting agent and dispersant for pigments in colour cosmetics and zinc oxide/titanium dioxide in sun care products.
Span 80 is also, used in eye contour-, lip- and face/neck skin care formulas and eye-, face- and lip color formulations.
Span 80 is used as a solubilizer, emulsifier, and stabilizer in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
CAS Number: 1338-43-8
EC Number: 215-665-4
Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₄₄O₆
Molecular Weight: 428.60 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
Span 80, SPAN® 80, Sorbitan Monooleate, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Monooleate Ester, Sorbitan Oleic Acid Ester, Sorbitan (Z)-9-Octadecenoate, Oleic Acid Sorbitan Ester, E494, Sorbitane monooleate, sorbitan oleate, SORBITAN MONOOLEATE, SORBITAN OLEATE, armotanmo, SPAN(R) 80, ionets80, sorgen40, sorbons80, glycomulo, emsorb2500, EmulsifierS80, 1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol 6-[(9Z)-octadec-9-enoate], Systematic IUPAC name: (2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-Dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl (9Z)-octadec-9-enoate, Sorbitan oleate, Span 80, Sorbitan monooleate, Span® 80
Span 80 is a biodegradable surfactant based on a natural fatty acid (oleic acid) and the sugar alcohol sorbitol and has been manufactured via the RSPO's Mass Balance System.
Span 80 is highly effective at forming O/W emulsions, particularly when used in combination with its polyethoxylated derivative, Tween 80.
Span 80 is a W/O emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, pigment wetter, surfactant and dispersing agent.
Span 80 is recommended for unsaturated lipid components such as oleyl alcohol or vegetable oils.
Span 80 is suitable for bath, shower and soaps, facial cleansers, rinse-off hair conditioners, shampoos, styling and sun protection products.
Span 80 is Vegan suitable and RSPO certified.
Span 80 is a biodegradable surfactant based on a natural fatty acid (oleic acid) and the sugar alcohol sorbitol.
Span 80 is highly effective at forming water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, and can also be used to formulate oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions when combined with its ethoxylated derivative, Tween 80.
Span 80 functions as a liquid W/O emulsifier and O/W stabilizer, especially for unsaturated lipids like oleyl alcohol or vegetable oils.
Tween 80, also known as Polysorbate 80, is derived from the reaction of sorbitol with ethylene oxide, resulting in a polyethoxylated sorbitan ester.
Span 80 is a water-soluble, hydrophilic surfactant.
Span 80 is a biodegradable surfactant that can be added to blended fuels, such as hydrated bioethanol–gasoline and methanol–gasoline. Span 80 increases the fuels' water tolerance and reduces their corrosive properties without altering their fuel characteristics.
Span 80 is a sorbitan fatty acid ester and is recommended as an emulsifier for mineral oils.
Span 80 has a low HLB value. It has good green credentials.
Span 80, also known as Sorbitan Monooleate, is a non-ionic emulsifier widely used in various food applications.
Span 80 plays a crucial role in stabilizing food products containing oil and water mixtures, making it an indispensable ingredient for food technologists and manufacturers seeking to improve texture, shelf life, and consistency.
Span 80 is the trade name for Sorbitan Monooleate, a compound derived from sorbitol and oleic acid.
Span 80 is classified as a non-ionic surfactant, meaning it does not carry an electrical charge.
Span 80's chemical formula is C24H44O6, and it is identified by the European Union E number E494.
Span 80 is a W/O emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, pigment wetter, surfactant and dispersing agent.
Span 80 is an emulsifier and surfactant.
Span 80, also known as sorbitan monooleate, is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier.
Span 80 belongs to the family of sorbitan esters.
Span 80 is produced by esterifying sorbitan with oleic acid, a fatty acid in many vegetable oils.
Span 80 emulsifier presents as a light yellow, viscous, oily liquid.
Span 80's solubility characteristics include insolubility in water and solubility in organic solvents.
Span 80 is an emulsifier, stabilizer, and dispersant used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.
Span 80 has an HLB value of 4.3, which means it has a low HLB value.
Sorbitan Oleate, popularly known as Span 80, is used as a water-in-oil emulsifier.
Span 80 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Span 80 is a sorbitan ester series of surfactant.
Span 80 is produced by esterification of one or more sorbitan hydroxyl group with fatty acid.
Span 80 is hydrophobic in nature.
This non-ionic surfactant, Span 80, can be used to form oil-in-water emulsions and in combination with low HLB surfactants can form water-in-oil emulsions.
Span 80, also known as sorbitan monooleate, is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier.
Span 80 belongs to the sorbitan ester family.
Span 80 is produced by esterifying sorbitan with oleic acid, a fatty acid found in many vegetable oils.
Span 80 is a low HLB nonionic emulsifier, often used in combination with tween 80.
Span 80 emulsifier is presented as a light yellow, viscous, oily liquid.
Span 80's solubility properties include insolubility in water and solubility in organic solvents.
Span 80 is an emulsifier, stabilizer, and dispersant used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Span 80, also known as Polysorbate 80, is derived from the reaction of sorbitol with ethylene oxide to obtain a polyethoxylated sorbitan ester.
Span 80 is a water-soluble, hydrophilic surfactant.
Span 80 is a biodegradable surfactant that can be added to blended fuels such as hydrated bioethanol-gasoline and methanol-gasoline.
Span 80 improves the water tolerance of fuels and reduces their corrosive properties without altering fuel characteristics.
The HLB value of Span 80 is 4.3, which falls within the usual HLB range of 4–6 for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifiers.
Span 80 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Span 80 also functions as a thickener, stabilizer, solvent, anti-foaming agent, and mold inhibitor.
Span 80 increases stability and improves texture and spreadability.
Span 80 also helps prevent skin moisture loss and increases the solubility of oils in water-based formulas.
Span 80 is a light yellow, viscous, oily liquid.
Span 80 is a water/oil type emulsifier that can be mixed with the aqueous emulsifier S60 and the emulsifier T60.
Span 80 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Span 80 is a sorbitan ester produced by the esterification of sorbitan with oleic acid, resulting in a light yellow, viscous liquid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.
Span 80 is a sorbitan ester widely used in personal care products.
W/O emulsifier, particularly recommended for unsaturated lipid components such as oleyl alcohol or vegetable oils.
Dispersing agent for insoluble liquids in other lipophilic liquids.
Span 80, also known as sorbitan monooleate, is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier.
Span 80 belongs to the family of sorbitan esters.
Span 80 is produced by esterifying sorbitan with oleic acid, a fatty acid in many vegetable oils.
Span 80 emulsifier presents as a light yellow, viscous, oily liquid.
Span 80's solubility characteristics include insolubility in water and solubility in organic solvents.
Span 80 is an emulsifier, stabilizer, and dispersant used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.
Span 80 is a brownish-yellow, viscous liquid.
Span 80 is a low HLB surfactant suggested for use as a w/o emulsifier or as an o/w emulsifier for use in cosmetic formulations, oil field chemicals, plastics, household products, coatings and textiles.
Span 80 is a fatty acid ester.
Span 80 is a non-ionic surfactant that can be used to form oil-in-water emulsions and in combination with low HLB surfactants can form water-in-oil emulsions.
Span 80 is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the sorbitan ester family and is produced by the esterification of sorbitan with oleic acid.
Span 80 is one of the most widely used low-HLB emulsifiers for the preparation of stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.
USES and APPLICATIONS of SPAN 80:
Food Industry: Span 80 is used as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in food products.
Span 80 helps prevent separation and improve texture in salad dressings, margarine, baked goods, and confectionery products such as chocolate and candy.
Pharmaceuticals: Span 80 acts as an emulsifier and solubilizer in pharmaceutical formulations.
Span 80 is commonly found in topical creams, lotions, and ointments to evenly distribute active ingredients and improve skin absorption.
Cosmetics: Span 80 is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in cosmetics and personal care products.
Span 80 helps create stable emulsions in creams, lotions, and makeup products, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and improving product texture.
Personal Care Products: In addition to cosmetics, Span 80 Span 80 is also used in various personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products to improve emulsion stability and enhance product performance.
Textiles: Span 80 is used as an emulsifier in textile lubricants and finishing agents to facilitate the application of dyes, pigments, and other chemicals to fabrics.
Paints and Coatings: Span 80 is used as a dispersion agent in paint formulations to improve the dispersion of pigments and other additives, resulting in smoother and more uniform coatings.
Adhesives: Span 80 is added to adhesive formulations to improve wetting properties and enhance the adhesion of the adhesive to various surfaces.
Overall, Span 80 serves as a versatile component across industries, contributing to the stability, texture, and performance of a variety of products.
Span 80 is widely used across food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors due to its effective emulsifying and dispersing properties.
Food Products: Span 80 is used as an emulsifier (E494) in bakery products, confectionery, and fat-based foods to improve emulsion stability, texture, and product consistency.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Span 80 is applied in creams, lotions, and ointments to stabilize emulsions and enhance texture, spreadability, and product performance.
Pharmaceutical Formulations: Span 80 is used as an emulsifying and dispersing agent in topical formulations to ensure uniform distribution of active ingredients.
Industrial Formulations: Span 80 is utilized in lubricants, coatings, and textile processing to improve dispersion, stability, and overall formulation efficiency.
Agricultural Formulations: Span 80 functions as an emulsifier and dispersant in agrochemical formulations, supporting effective mixing and uniform application.
Span 80 is widely used in personal care products.
W/O emulsifier, particularly recommended for unsaturated lipid components such as oleyl alcohol or vegetable oils.
Span 80 is a dispersing agent for insoluble liquids in other lipophilic liquids.
Span 80 is used as a wetting agent and dispersant for pigments in colour cosmetics and zinc oxide/titanium dioxide in sun care products.
Span 80 is also, used in eye contour-, lip- and face/neck skin care formulas and eye-, face- and lip color formulations.
Span 80 is used as a solubilizer, emulsifier, and stabilizer in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Span 80 is primarily used in oil-based formulations, whereas Tween 80 is water-soluble and commonly used in water-based or aqueous formulations.
Span 80 is used in cosmetics, pharmaceutical creams, and various other personal care products as a friction modifier and emulsifier.
Span 80 is used as a solvent, emulsifier, and stabilizer in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Span 80 is primarily used in oil-based formulations, while Tween 80 is water-soluble and is generally used in water-based or aqueous formulations.
Span 80 is used in various products as a wetting agent, binding agent, and dispersing agent.
Food Industry uses of Span 80: Approved for use in various food applications, sorbitan monooleate helps improve texture and stability in products like ice cream and salad dressings.
Cosmetics: Span 80 is utilized in creams and ointments for its emulsifying properties.
Recommended topical usage levels of Span 80 are 0.5-5%.
Span 80 is mainly used in the following aspects:
Span 80 is used as a food additive: Span 80 can be added to desserts, bread, ice cream and beverages to enhance the taste of food, improve stability and extend shelf life.
As a cosmetic emulsifier, thickener and surfactant, Span 80 is commonly found in sunscreen, face cream, essence, lotion and other products.
Span 80 is used as a pharmaceutical adjuvant.
Span 80 can be used for the encapsulation and storage of pharmaceutical active ingredients (such as phenols, vitamins and other various antioxidant-rich molecules), and can also be used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabilizer in compound preparations.
Span 80 is used as a fiber lubricant and softener in the textile industry.
Span 80 is extensively used as a primary emulsifier for the manufacture of water-in-oil emulsions in pharmaceutical creams, topical ointments, medicated lotions, transdermal formulations, veterinary products, and dermatological preparations.
Span 80's low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance enables the production of highly stable emulsions with excellent texture and long-term physical stability.
Due to its excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and stabilizing properties, Span 80 is extensively employed in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, coatings, lubricants, textile processing, and numerous industrial formulations.
Span 80 is particularly valued for its ability to stabilize emulsions containing high oil content while maintaining formulation consistency and long-term storage stability.
Because it is nonionic, Span 80 demonstrates excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, allowing formulators to optimize emulsion performance by combining different surfactant systems.
Span 80 also serves as an important intermediate in the manufacture of polysorbates such as Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), which are widely used in pharmaceutical and food formulations.
In the cosmetic industry, Span 80 is incorporated into moisturizing creams, cold creams, cleansing creams, sunscreens, makeup products, hair conditioners, massage oils, body lotions, lipsticks, and numerous skin-care formulations where it improves emulsion stability, enhances product consistency, and contributes to a smooth sensory feel during application.
Span 80 plays an important role in food processing as an emulsifier and stabilizer for bakery products, confectionery, margarines, dessert toppings, flavor emulsions, and specialty food formulations.
Span 80 assists in maintaining uniform ingredient distribution, improving texture, and extending product shelf life.
Span 80 is widely utilized in agricultural formulations, including pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, herbicide formulations, fungicides, insecticides, plant nutrient emulsions, and adjuvant systems.
Span 80 enhances wetting, spreading, dispersion, and penetration of active ingredients on plant surfaces, improving application efficiency and biological performance.
Span 80 is used as a wetting agent and dispersant for pigments in color cosmetics and zinc oxide/titanium dioxide in sun care products.
In coatings, paints, inks, pigments, and resin systems, Span 80 functions as a dispersing and wetting agent that improves pigment distribution, color consistency, suspension stability, and coating performance while reducing agglomeration during production.
Span 80 is extensively employed in metalworking fluids, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, cutting oils, and corrosion protection formulations where it stabilizes oil-based emulsions, enhances lubrication properties, and improves fluid performance under demanding operating conditions.
Additional industrial applications of Span 80 include textile processing, leather treatment, polymer manufacturing, emulsion polymerization, wax emulsions, asphalt emulsions, drilling fluids, mining chemicals, explosives, ceramic processing, industrial cleaners, release agents, antifoam formulations, and laboratory reagent preparation.
Span 80 is also widely used as a precursor in the manufacture of polysorbates such as Polysorbate 80, expanding its importance throughout the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, and cosmetic industries.
-Emulsification uses of Span 80:
Span 80 is used to stabilize emulsions by facilitating the mixture of non-miscible components like oil and water.
Span 80 is particularly effective in forming stable W/O emulsions.
Span 80 reduces the interfacial tension between oil and water phases in an emulsion.
This lowered tension helps prevent the separation of the two phases, promoting a more stable emulsion.
-Pharmaceuticals uses of Span 80:
Span 80 is used as a wetting agent and dispersant in lipophilic pharmaceutical bases.
Span 80 is extensively used as a wetting agent and dispersant for materials such as zinc oxide, calamine and penicillin in lipophilic pharmaceutical bases.
Span 80 is also employed in drug delivery systems to improve the bioavailability of lipophilic compounds.
In research, Span 80 has been used in a study to assess transfersomes as a transdermal delivery system for sertraline.
Span 80 has also been used in a study to investigate the dominant factors affecting the stability of nanoemulsions through the use of artificial neural networks.
SPAN 80'S COMMON FOOD PRACTICES:
Baked Goods
Span 80 helps improve the processing, texture, and volume of dough. Span 80 can aid in even fat distribution and interact with starches and proteins to prevent staleness.
Margarine and Spreads
In oil-based spreadables, Span 80 helps maintain a stable, homogeneous texture during storage by promoting water distribution within the oil matrix.
Instant Products
Span 80 enhances the wettability and dispersibility of powdered products, especially those containing solid or liquid fats, such as creams or instant soups.
Confectionery
Span 80 helps control crystallization in chocolates and other fat-based sweets, and contributes to a smoother mouthfeel.
Flavor Emulsions
Span 80 is often used in combination with high HLB emulsifiers (such as Tween 80) to stabilize flavor oils in beverages, improve product clarity, and prevent oil ring formation.
HOW IS SPAN 80 USED IN FOOD?
Span 80 is primarily used to form and stabilize emulsions, particularly in fat-rich food systems.
Its low HLB value makes Span 80 more suitable for W/O emulsions, but it is also commonly used in combination with other emulsifiers to improve product performance.
SPAN 80 IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER EMULSIFIERS
Span 80 is rarely used alone in food applications.
Span 80 is usually paired with high HLB emulsifiers such as Ara 20 or Tween 80 to create specialized emulsifier systems that can stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions depending on formulation objectives.
For example, the Span 80– Ara 80 combination is commonly used to stabilize beverage emulsions by achieving an optimal HLB balance.
KEY PROPERTIES of SPAN 80:
HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance):
Low (around 4.3), making Span 80 ideal for oil-in-water (W/O) emulsions.
Appearance:
Amber, viscous liquid.
Solubility:
Oil-soluble, dispersible in water.
These properties make Span 80 suitable for emulsifying oil-based systems and stabilizing food emulsions where oil is the continuous phase.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of SPAN 80:
Span 80 is a nonionic surfactant composed of sorbitan esterified with oleic acid.
Span 80 contains a hydrophilic sorbitan head group and a hydrophobic oleic acid chain, providing balanced amphiphilic behavior suitable for emulsion stabilization.
Its low HLB value makes Span 80 particularly effective in stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions, where it reduces interfacial tension between oil and water phases and promotes the formation of stable dispersed systems.
The nonionic nature of Span 80 provides excellent compatibility with electrolytes, acids, alkalis, and numerous formulation additives while minimizing interactions with ionic ingredients.
Span 80 is chemically stable under normal processing conditions and exhibits good resistance to hydrolysis under neutral conditions.
However, prolonged exposure to strong acids or alkalis at elevated temperatures may promote ester hydrolysis.
Span 80 also functions as a lubricating agent, dispersant, wetting agent, antistatic additive, and emulsion stabilizer in numerous industrial formulations.
CHARACTERISTICS of SPAN 80:
Span 80 is a low-HLB nonionic emulsifier specifically designed for water-in-oil emulsification.
Span 80 exhibits excellent emulsifying efficiency for high oil-content formulations.
Span 80 demonstrates outstanding compatibility with ionic and nonionic surfactants.
Span 80 provides excellent wetting and dispersing performance.
Span 80 exhibits low foaming characteristics during processing.
Span 80 maintains stable emulsions over extended storage periods.
Span 80's high thermal stability allows processing under elevated manufacturing temperatures.
Span 80 provides good lubrication and anti-static properties.
Span 80 exhibits excellent formulation flexibility across multiple industries.
Span 80's nonionic structure minimizes sensitivity to water hardness and dissolved salts.
BENEFITS of SPAN 80:
Span 80 significantly improves emulsion stability by reducing interfacial tension and preventing phase separation during storage and use.
Its low HLB value makes Span 80 highly effective for preparing stable water-in-oil emulsions used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, agricultural formulations, and specialty industrial products.
Span 80 enhances pigment and solid particle dispersion, improving formulation uniformity, appearance, and processing efficiency.
Span 80's excellent compatibility with a wide range of surfactants enables formulators to design customized emulsifier systems with optimized stability and rheological properties.
Span 80 improves product consistency while reducing creaming, sedimentation, and coalescence of dispersed phases.
Span 80's lubricating properties reduce friction during manufacturing and improve processing efficiency in numerous industrial operations.
Span 80 exhibits excellent storage stability, allowing long shelf life with minimal changes in viscosity or emulsion performance.
Because of its low toxicity and well-established safety profile, Span 80 is widely accepted for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications under applicable regulatory requirements.
CHEMISTRY of SPAN 80:
As a nonionic surfactant, Span 80 forms a protective layer around dispersed droplets in the emulsion.
This layer acts as a barrier, preventing coalescence and phase separation.
This helps disperse water droplets within an oil matrix, maintaining the emulsion structure.
Chemical Formula: C24H44O6
HLB Value: 4.3; suitable for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.
Span 80 is soluble in warm water and has good dispersibility in organic solvents such as ethanol and ethyl acetate.
Physical Form: Amber liquid
Fatty acid composition: Oleic acid (C18:1) ≤ 60%; balance primarily linoleic (C18:2), linolenic (C18:3) and palmitic (C16:0) acids.
At high concentrations, sorbitan monooleate can increase the viscosity of the emulsion, which can further enhance stability by reducing the movement of dispersed droplets.
When combined with other surfactants, especially those with higher HLB values like Tween 80, sorbitan monooleate can contribute to the overall stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
This combination allows for the creation of emulsifying systems with various HLB values, enabling the emulsification of a wide range of oils and waxes.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE SPAN 80?
Excellent Emulsifying Properties:
Span 80 is an effective emulsifier, especially for oil-in-water emulsions.
Span 80 helps stabilize these emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between the oil and water phases, preventing phase separation, and improving product consistency.
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB):
Span 80 emulsifier has a relatively low HLB value, typically around 4.3.
This makes Span 80 suitable for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and creating stable oil-in-water emulsions when combined with suitable surfactants that have higher HLB values.
High Solubility:
Span 80 is soluble in many organic solvents and oils, making it compatible with a variety of formulations.
Good Stability:
Span 80 emulsifier contributes to the stability of formulations by preventing coalescence and creaming, thus extending the shelf life of products.
Mild and non-irritating:
Span 80 is considered a gentle and non-irritating surfactant that is well tolerated by the skin and mucous membranes.
Span 80 is used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in some skin care products such as lotions and creams.
Overall, the properties of Span 80 make it a versatile ingredient in applications in emulsions, creams, lotions, and various other formulations where emulsification, dispersion, and stability are important.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION of SPAN 80:
Span 80 is one of the most widely used lipophilic emulsifiers in industrial formulation technology due to its excellent balance of emulsifying efficiency, formulation flexibility, and regulatory acceptance.
Its low HLB value makes Span 80 particularly effective when combined with high-HLB surfactants such as Polysorbate 80 to produce highly stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion systems with tailored performance characteristics.
Span 80 has become a standard emulsifier in pharmaceutical manufacturing, cosmetic science, food technology, agricultural chemistry, and industrial processing because of its predictable performance, excellent compatibility, and long history of safe commercial use.
KEY FUNCTIONS of SPAN 80:
Span 80 provides reliable emulsification, dispersion, and stabilization performance in a wide range of food and industrial formulations, particularly in oil-based and water-in-oil systems.
Water-in-Oil Emulsification
Span 80 forms stable water-in-oil emulsions in complex formulations, ensuring effective integration of aqueous and lipid phases in fat-rich systems.
Emulsion Stabilization
Span 80 improves stability by preventing phase separation, helping maintain consistent texture and appearance during storage and processing.
Dispersion Performance
Span 80 assists in the uniform distribution of ingredients and active components, ensuring consistent formulation quality and performance.
Texture and Viscosity Enhancement
Span 80 contributes to improved viscosity and consistency in emulsified systems, enhancing overall product texture and mouthfeel.
Co-Emulsifier Synergy
Span 80 works effectively with hydrophilic emulsifiers such as Tween surfactants to create balanced emulsification systems with enhanced stability.
Processing Stability
Span 80 maintains functional performance under typical processing conditions, supporting reliable use in food and industrial manufacturing.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of SPAN 80:
Appearance: Amber to brown viscous liquid
Color: Yellow, amber, to brown
Odor: Mild fatty characteristic odor
Physical State: Liquid
Chemical Formula: C₂₄H₄₄O₆
Molecular Weight: 428.60 g/mol
HLB Value: Approximately 4.3
Density (25°C): Approximately 0.98–1.00 g/cm³
Viscosity (25°C): High viscosity liquid
Acid Value: Typically ≤8 mg KOH/g
Hydroxyl Value: Approximately 190–230 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value: Approximately 145–160 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value: Approximately 55–75
Moisture Content: Typically ≤2%
Flash Point: Approximately >180°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Melting Point: Liquid at room temperature
Water Solubility: Insoluble or slightly dispersible
Solubility in Vegetable Oils: Excellent
Solubility in Mineral Oils: Good
Solubility in Ethanol: Slightly soluble
Solubility in Acetone: Soluble
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Volatility: Very low
Flammability: Combustible at elevated temperatures
pH (5% dispersion): Approximately 5–8
Surface Activity: Excellent
Emulsification Capacity: Excellent for W/O emulsions
Chemical Stability: Excellent under recommended storage conditions
Oxidation Stability: Good; prolonged exposure to air may slowly oxidize the oleate chain
Freeze Stability: Good
Product Name: SPAN® 80
Chemical Name: Sorbitan Monooleate
IUPAC Name: Sorbitan (Z)-9-Octadecenoate
Chemical Type: Nonionic Surfactant
Chemical Family: Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters
CAS No.: 1338-43-8
EC No.: 215-665-4
Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₄₄O₆
Molecular Weight: 428.60 g/mol
HLB Value: 4.3
Physical Form: Amber to Brown Viscous Liquid
Chemical Classification: Emulsifier / Wetting Agent / Dispersing Agent
CAS Number: 1338-43-8
NACRES: NA.25
PubChem Substance ID: 24899720
UNSPSC Code: 12161900
EC Number: 215-665-4
MDL Number: MFCD00080948
CBNumber: CB0419567
Molecular Formula: C24H44O6
Molecular Weight: 428.6
MDL Number: MFCD00080948
MOL File: 1338-43-8.mol
Boiling Point: 463.43°C (rough estimate)
Density: 0.986 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
Vapor Pressure: <1.4 hPa (20 °C)
Refractive Index: n20/D 1.48(lit.)
Flash Point: >230 °F
Storage Temp.: Store below +30°C.
Solubility: Practically insoluble but dispersible in water,
soluble in fatty oils producing a hazy solution,
miscible with alcohol.
Form: Viscous Liquid
Specific Gravity: 0.986
Color: Yellow
Odor: at 100.00 %. fatty oily waxy
Odor Type: fatty
Viscosity: 1000-2000mPa.s(20°C)
Water Solubility: Soluble in ethanol at 50mg/mlMiscible with water,
ethanol, isopropanol and ether. Insoluble in acetone.
Merck: 13,8796
BRN: 8172514
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): 4.3
Stability: Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Major Application: microbiology
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions:
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
InChIKey: MPZLHRXPRGLWEB-AAZCQSIUSA-N
SMILES: CCCCCCCC\C=C/CCCCCCCC(=O)OCC@@H[C@H]1OCC@H[C@H]1O
LogP: 6.014 (est)
CAS DataBase Reference: 1338-43-8(CAS DataBase Reference)
Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS): SORBITAN MONOOLEATE
FDA 21 CFR: 173.75; 175.105; 178.3400
EWG's Food Scores: 1
FDA UNII: 06XEA2VD56
EPA Substance Registry System: Sorbitan monooleate (1338-43-8)
UNSPSC Code: 12352108
NACRES: NA.25
Physical State: liquid, clear, viscous
Color: dark brown
Odor: No data available
Melting Point/Freezing Point: No data available
Initial Boiling Point and Boiling Range: No data available
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
Upper/Lower Flammability or Explosive Limits: No data available
Flash Point: > 113,00 °C - closed cup
Autoignition Temperature: No data available
Decomposition Temperature: No data available
pH: No data available
Viscosity: Viscosity, kinematic: No data available
Viscosity, dynamic: No data available
Water Solubility: No data available
Partition Coefficient: n-octanol/water
No data available
Vapor Pressure: No data available
Density: 1,0 g/cm3 at 20 °C
Relative Density: No data available
Relative Vapor Density: No data available
Particle Characteristics: No data available
Explosive Properties: No data available
Oxidizing Properties: No data available
Other Safety Information: No data available
Chemical Formula: C24H44O6
Molar Mass: 428.610 g·mol−1
Density: 0.986 g/mL
Empirical Formula (Hill Notation): C24H44O6
CAS Number: 1338-43-8
Molecular Weight: 428.60
UNSPSC Code: 41115710
NACRES: NA.21
PubChem Substance ID: 329769385
EC Number: 215-665-4
Beilstein/REAXYS Number: 8172514
MDL Number: MFCD00080948
FIRST AID MEASURES of SPAN 80:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of SPAN 80:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of SPAN 80:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of SPAN 80:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of SPAN 80:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of SPAN 80:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
