Sorbitan Monostearate — Span 60 / CAS 1338-41-6

Description

1. Product Overview

Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60) is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifying agent produced from sorbitol and stearic acid, widely used to stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil formulations. It serves as a critical functional ingredient in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing by improving texture, consistency, and product stability. With excellent emulsification performance, compatibility, and processing reliability, Span 60 remains a preferred choice for manufacturers seeking high-performance formulation solutions. Its broad application base and consistent global demand make it a strategically important ingredient in modern specialty chemical supply chains.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Sorbitan fatty acid ester (primarily sorbitan monostearate)
• CAS Number: 1338-41-6
• Chemical Formula: C₂₄H₄₆O₆
• Grade: Industrial grade / Food grade / Pharmaceutical grade (depending on specification requirements)
• Purity Level: Typically ≥95% active content (grade-dependent)
• Physical Form: Waxy solid, flakes, beads, or powder
• Color: Cream to light yellow
• Odor: Mild characteristic odor
• HLB Value: Approximately 4.7 (low HLB emulsifier suitable for water-in-oil systems)
• Melting Point: Approximately 50–60°C
• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble or dispersible in oils and organic solvents
• Packaging Options: 25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, or customized bulk packaging
• Shelf Life: Typically 24 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Food & Beverage Industry: Used as an emulsifier in bakery products, confectionery, margarine, shortenings, and processed foods to enhance texture, stability, and shelf life.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Applied in creams, lotions, makeup products, and skincare formulations to improve emulsification, smoothness, and product consistency.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Functions as a stabilizing excipient and emulsifying agent in topical formulations, capsules, and drug delivery systems.
• Industrial Formulations: Used in lubricants, coatings, plastics, textiles, and chemical processing applications where controlled dispersion and stability are required.

Performance Advantages:

• Provides strong emulsification and dispersion capability compared with many conventional surfactants.
• Improves formulation stability, reduces phase separation, and enhances product uniformity.
• Offers excellent compatibility with other surfactants, oils, and functional ingredients, supporting flexible manufacturing processes.
• Delivers cost-efficient performance due to low dosage requirements and reliable functionality.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Consistent Quality Performance: Manufactured under controlled processes to ensure uniform emulsification properties and batch-to-batch reliability.
• Reliable Global Supply: Supported by scalable production capacity and international distribution networks for uninterrupted industrial sourcing.
• Flexible Logistics Capability: Available in standard and bulk packaging formats suitable for global shipment and large-scale manufacturing operations.
• Competitive Pricing: Optimized production and supply chain efficiency provide strong value for high-volume industrial buyers.
• Sustainability Benefits: Derived from renewable raw materials such as sorbitol and stearic acid, supporting cleaner and more sustainable formulation strategies.
• Technical Support & Documentation: Available with technical data sheets (TDS), safety data sheets (SDS), quality certificates, and regulatory documentation to support compliance requirements.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 MT
• Loading Capacity: Approximately 20 MT per 20-foot container (subject to packaging configuration and shipping requirements)