Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80) CAS 1338-43-8, also known as Sorbitan Oleate, is a lipophilic nonionic sorbitan fatty acid ester supplied as a viscous liquid emulsifier for low-HLB formulation systems. It is used as a W/O emulsifier, dispersing aid, wetting agent, and stabilizer in emulsions, coatings, agrochemical formulations, cosmetic and personal care products, and lubricant systems. Supplied in 99% grade with 200 kg iron drum packaging; COA, TDS, and SDS can be provided according to grade and order requirements.
Sorbitan Monooleate CAS 1338-43-8
- CAS: 1338-43-8
- Synonyms: Sorbitan Monooleate, Span 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Monooleate of Sorbitan
- Einecs: 215-665-4
- Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₄₄O₆
- Grade: 99%
- Package: 200kg iron drum
Product Description
Product Overview
Sorbitan Monooleate CAS 1338-43-8 is supplied as a lipophilic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier for formulated systems requiring water-in-oil emulsification, wetting, and phase stabilization. It is suitable for use in selected chemical processing, coating, agrochemical, and personal care formulations where low-HLB functionality is required.
This product is commonly applied where oily phases need to be dispersed or stabilized with controlled emulsification behavior. It may also be used in combination with higher-HLB emulsifiers to balance system performance in blended surfactant packages.
Product Information / Specifications
| Product Name | Sorbitan Monooleate |
| Common Name | Span 80 |
| CAS No. | 1338-43-8 |
| EINECS No. | 215-665-4 |
| Product Identity | Nonionic emulsifier / sorbitan fatty acid ester |
| Typical Role | W/O emulsifier, dispersing aid, wetting agent, stabilizer |
| Supply Form | Viscous liquid |
| Supply Notes | Technical documents such as COA, TDS, and SDS may be provided according to the supplied grade |
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Amber to brownish-yellow viscous liquid |
| Odor | Mild fatty odor |
| Molecular Formula | C24H44O6 |
| Molecular Weight | Approx. 428.6 |
| Density | Approx. 0.994 g/mL at 20°C |
| Refractive Index | Approx. 1.48 at 20°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, isopropanol, ether, and selected organic solvents |
Applications
- Water-in-oil emulsifier systems for industrial and specialty chemical formulations
- Cosmetic and personal care emulsions where lipophilic emulsification is required
- Agrochemical formulations as an emulsifying and dispersing aid
- Coatings, textile, and process chemical systems requiring wetting and phase stabilization
- Blended surfactant packages designed to adjust HLB balance and emulsion behavior
Packaging
Standard packaging may include 200 kg iron drums.
Packaging arrangement may vary according to the supplied grade and order requirements.
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area in tightly closed original packaging. Protect from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and moisture. Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents during storage and handling.
Safety Precautions
Handle according to standard chemical safety procedures. Avoid direct contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, and use appropriate ventilation during transfer or formulation operations.
Suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, protective eyewear, and protective clothing should be used. Refer to the latest SDS before storage, handling, transport, or production use.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What makes Sorbitan Monooleate suitable for water-in-oil emulsions?
A: Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80) has a low HLB value of approximately 4.3, which makes it well-suited for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsification. Its sorbitan ester structure preferentially stabilises the water droplets within a continuous oil phase, enabling stable W/O dispersions in industrial and specialty chemical formulations. -
Q:
What is the HLB of Sorbitan Monooleate and how does it affect formulation selection?
A: HLB value of Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80) is approximately 4.3, classifying it as a lipophilic emulsifier. In blended surfactant systems, it is commonly paired with high-HLB emulsifiers such as Tween series to achieve the target HLB required for stable O/W or W/O emulsion design. -
Q:
Is Span 80 the same product as Sorbitan Monooleate?
A: Yes. Span 80 is a commercially recognised trade name for Sorbitan Monooleate under CAS 1338-43-8. Both refer to the same sorbitan fatty acid ester compound used as a nonionic W/O emulsifier and dispersing aid in industrial formulations. -
Q:
Can Sorbitan Monooleate be used in cosmetic and personal care applications?
A: Sorbitan Monooleate is suitable for use in cosmetic and personal care formulations where lipophilic emulsification is required, such as creams, lotions, and balms. However, suitability for a finished consumer product should be confirmed by the buyer’s formulation, regulatory, and quality teams. -
Q:
What key indicators should buyers confirm before ordering Sorbitan Monooleate?
A: Buyers should confirm the HLB requirement of their target emulsion system, the desired supply form (viscous liquid at ambient temperature), and verify compatibility with the oil phase and co-emulsifiers in their formulation. Request product documentation including COA, TDS, and SDS per grade.
Documents and Product Support
For product review and sourcing evaluation, supporting documents can be coordinated according to the product type, inquiry stage, and order requirements.
- COA for batch-based quality reference
- TDS for key physical and chemical information
- SDS / MSDS for handling, storage, and safety reference
- Packing information for sample, trial, and bulk orders
- Technical communication based on application and specification requirements
Information to Confirm Before Quotation
Clear sourcing information helps reduce specification mismatch and allows a more accurate quotation before sample or bulk order discussion.
- Product name and CAS number
- Application or intended end use
- Required purity, grade, or specification
- Sample quantity, trial order, or bulk demand
- Preferred packing form or net weight
- Destination country or port
- Required documents or compliance expectations
Packaging, Storage, and Handling Notes
Packaging form, storage conditions, shelf life, and shipment arrangements should be confirmed according to the product characteristics, package size, and destination requirements.
Before order confirmation, buyers are advised to review the corresponding product documents and confirm whether any special storage, labeling, or handling requirements apply.
Sample, Bulk Order and Repeat Supply Support
Support can be arranged for sample discussion, bulk supply planning, packaging confirmation, and routine sourcing communication based on the actual product and order requirements.
For repeat-use formulations or long-term procurement plans, buyers may discuss specification consistency, packaging preferences, delivery expectations, and document coordination in advance.
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