Description
A non-ionic lipophilic emulsifier formed by esterification of sorbitan with palmitic acid. Trade name Span 40. HLB value approximately 6.7.
Cream to tan waxy solid or flake. Soluble in oils and warm organic solvents, dispersible in hot water. Stable to heat and across pH 3 to 10.
We supply food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade Sorbitan Monopalmitate from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include food-grade flake or pellet for confectionery and bakery use, pharmaceutical USP/NF grade for topical and oral pharmaceutical formulations, and cosmetic grade for emulsion creams and lotions.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value, water content, and microbiology.
Introduction
Span 40 is one of the sorbitan ester family developed by Atlas Powder Company (later ICI Surfactants and Croda) in the mid-twentieth century. The Span series of lipophilic emulsifiers and the matched Tween series of hydrophilic polyoxyethylene derivatives together cover most of the practical HLB range for food and pharmaceutical emulsion design.
Production begins with sorbitol-pharmaceutical-grade" class="underline" style="color: var(--sage-deep); text-decoration-color: var(--sage-deep);">sorbitol, which is partially dehydrated under acid catalysis to sorbitan, then esterified with palmitic acid. The resulting product is a mixture in which sorbitan monopalmitate predominates, alongside small fractions of di- and triesters.
Regulated as E495 in the EU, listed in USP, NF, and other pharmacopoeias, and assigned an Acceptable Daily Intake of 25 mg per kg body weight by JECFA in combination with other sorbitan esters.
The compound's defining role is as a lipophilic complement to Polysorbate 40 in HLB-blended emulsifier systems: a formulator selects the ratio of Span 40 to Polysorbate 40 to land at the desired HLB for the finished product.
Where it is used
- Water-in-oil emulsions in margarines, fat spreads, and bakery shortenings
- Chocolate and compound coating viscosity modifier; used in combination with lecithin
- Cake mixes and cake emulsifier systems; provides aeration and shortening function
- Cosmetic creams and lotions; the lipophilic phase emulsifier of choice for skincare
- Pharmaceutical topical creams and ointments; USP-grade emulsion stabilizer
- Pairing with Polysorbate 40 for tunable HLB emulsion systems
- Whipped toppings and aerated dessert preparations
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Cream to tan waxy solid or flake |
| Acid value (mg KOH/g) | ≤ 7.5 |
| Saponification value (mg KOH/g) | 140 to 160 |
| Hydroxyl value (mg KOH/g) | 270 to 305 |
| Water (Karl Fischer) | ≤ 1.5% |
| Sulfated ash | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 5 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 3 mg/kg |
| HLB value | Approximately 6.7 |
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