Sorbitan monostearate is an
ester
In chemistry, an ester is a compound derived from an oxoacid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one hydroxyl group () is replaced by an alkoxy group (), as in the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Glycerides a ...
of
sorbitan
Sorbitan is a mixture of isomeric organic compounds derived from the dehydration of sorbitol and is an intermediate in the conversion of sorbitol to isosorbide. Sorbitan is primarily used in the production of surfactants such as polysorbates; wh ...
(a
sorbitol derivative) and
stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax.
[Ingredients – Sorbitan Monostearate](_blank)
at sci-toys.com
Uses
Sorbitan monostearate is used in the manufacture of food and healthcare products as a non-ionic
surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties. It is also employed to create synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, and as a brightener in the leather industry. Sorbitans are also known as "Spans".
Sorbitan monostearate has been approved by the European Union for use as a food additive (emulsifier) (
E number: E 491).
[Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers]
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, 26 November 2010 It is also approved for use by the
British Pharmacopoeia
The ''British Pharmacopoeia'' (''BP'') is the national pharmacopoeia of the United Kingdom. It is an annually published collection of quality standards for medicinal substances in the UK, which is used by individuals and organisations involv ...
.
See also
*
Polysorbate
Polysorbates are a class of emulsifiers used in some pharmaceuticals and food preparation. They are commonly used in oral and topical pharmaceutical dosage forms. They are also often used in cosmetics to solubilize essential oils into water-base ...
*
Sorbitan tristearate
Sorbitan tristearate is a nonionic surfactant. It is variously used as a dispersing agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer, in food and in aerosol sprays. As a food additive, it has the E number
E numbers ("E" stands for "Europe") are codes fo ...
(Span 65)
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sorbitan Monostearate
Food additives
Non-ionic surfactants
E-number additives
Stearate esters