Description

Span 20 is a non-ionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, functioning as a highly effective emulsifier and solubilizer. Its primary value lies in its ability to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and enhance the solubility of hydrophobic compounds in aqueous systems. This makes it an essential ingredient for manufacturers in the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and agrochemical industries seeking reliable and versatile formulation aids.

Application

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: A key emulsifier in creams, lotions, and hair care products to create stable, smooth textures.
• Pharmaceuticals: Used as an excipient in topical ointments, creams, and as a solubilizing agent for poorly soluble active ingredients.
• Food Industry: Functions as an emulsifier and dispersant in baked goods, dairy products, and edible oil blends.
• Agrochemicals: Acts as a wetting agent and emulsifier in pesticide and herbicide formulations to improve spray coverage and efficacy.
• Industrial Applications: Employed in textile processing, leather treatment, and as a component in industrial cleaning solutions.
• Laboratory Research: Utilized in biochemical and microbiological research for cell lysis and membrane protein studies.

Basic Information

Product Name	Span 20
CAS No.	1338-39-2
Molecular Formula	C18H34O6
Molecular Weight	346.46 g/mol
Synonyms	Sorbitan Monolaurate; Sorbitan Laurate; Arlacel 20; S-ML; (S)-4-Hydroxy-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-oxo-N,3-dihydroxydecanamide (cyclic form); E493; Span® 20; Sorbitan fatty acid ester (C12)
EINECS	215-663-3

Quality Control

Our Span 20 is manufactured under strict quality management systems to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and reliability. We offer grades suitable for food (FCC/E 493), pharmaceutical (USP/NF), and industrial applications. Each lot is accompanied by a comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing key parameters such as assay, acid value, saponification value, and hydroxyl value. Our quality commitment ensures compliance with relevant global standards including REACH and FDA regulations for specific applications.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at a controlled room temperature (typically 15-25°C). Keep away from strong oxidizing agents. Under these conditions, the product has a long shelf life. For extended storage, consider using under an inert atmosphere to minimize oxidative degradation.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Amber to yellow viscous liquid
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (Sorbitan Esters)	≥ 95.0 %
Acid Value	≤ 7.0 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value	158 - 170 mg KOH/g
Hydroxyl Value	330 - 358 mg KOH/g
Water Content	≤ 1.5 %
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 10 ppm

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.