Span 40
Sorbitan monopalmitate (CAS 26266-57-9), widely known by the trade name Span 40, is a nonionic sorbitan fatty acid ester made from sorbitol and palmitic acid. It is a waxy, cream-coloured solid with a melting point of about 46 to 47 degrees Celsius and a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of approximately 6, which places it among the more lipophilic members of the Span series. It is insoluble in water but soluble in warm oils, fats and organic solvents, and it functions principally as a water-in-oil emulsifier and co-emulsifier. As a food-grade, pharmaceutical and cosmetic excipient it is regarded as of low toxicity and is readily biodegradable, and it is supplied in several grades, including certified reference standards for analytical and quality-control work.
1. Food industry: used as an emulsifier, dispersant and stabiliser in baked goods, confectionery, dairy analogues, icings, dessert mixes and beverage emulsions, typically in blends with polysorbate 60 to obtain the desired hydrophilic-lipophilic balance.
2. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations: acts as a water-in-oil emulsifier, dispersing and wetting agent in creams, lotions, ointments, suppository bases and topical drug-delivery systems, and improves texture and stability.
3. Industrial applications: a dispersant for printing inks and oils, an emulsifier and stabiliser for oilfield drilling fluids and lubricants, and a wetting agent in agrochemical, textile, leather and metalworking formulations.
4. Handling and storage: store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in a closed container away from strong oxidising agents; the ester is stable under normal conditions but may hydrolyse on prolonged exposure to strong acid or base at elevated temperature, so keep away from extreme pH and heat.
Product Name: Span 40
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