Can Span 80 replace Polysorbate 80 because both products carry the number 80?

No. Span 80 is a low-HLB, non-ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate, whereas Polysorbate 80 is an ethoxylated and more hydrophilic material. They can play different roles in an emulsion system. Any substitution requires formulation testing; the shared number does not establish composition, HLB behaviour or use-level equivalence.

Why should commercial Span 80 be specified by composition-related tests rather than formula alone?

Sorbitan monooleate is commercially a mixture of sorbitol-derived partial oleate esters. A reference molecular formula does not describe every commercial grade. Confirm the applicable standard and controls such as acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water, colour and fatty-acid profile using the stated test methods.

When should a Span 80 emulsifier blend be evaluated in the actual formulation?

Whenever the oil phase, aqueous phase, process temperature, shear conditions or target emulsion type is material to the result. A blend ratio chosen from nominal HLB values is only a starting point. Stability, viscosity, separation and finished-product appearance must be assessed under the intended processing and storage conditions.

Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80) CAS 1338-43-8

Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80, CAS 1338-43-8, EC 215-665-4) is a lipophilic nonionic sorbitan ester used mainly as a low-HLB water-in-oil emulsifier, dispersing aid and wetting agent. The reference monooleate component has the formula C24H44O6, while commercial material may contain a distribution of sorbitan partial esters. Span 80 is distinct from ethoxylated Polysorbate 80. Confirm acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water, color, fatty-acid profile, intended standard, supply form and packaging for the offered grade.

CAS: 1338-43-8
Synonyms: Sorbitan Monooleate; Sorbitan Oleate; Span 80; Anhydrosorbitol Monooleate
Einecs: 215-665-4
Molecular Formula: C24H44O6 for the reference monooleate component; commercial material may contain partial-esters
Grade: Confirm acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water, color, fatty-acid profile and intended standard
Package: Confirm current packaging for the selected specification and destination

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Product Description

1 Product Overview

2 Product Information / Specifications

3 Storage, Safety and Documentation

Product Overview

Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80, CAS 1338-43-8, EC 215-665-4) is a lipophilic nonionic sorbitan ester used mainly as a low-HLB water-in-oil emulsifier, dispersing aid, wetting agent and formulation stabilizer. Commercial Span 80 is a mixture of partial esters rather than a single pure molecule, so acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value, water, color, fatty-acid composition and regulatory grade should be confirmed for the supplied product. Span 80 is distinct from Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80). COA, TDS and SDS may be provided on request.

Product Information / Specifications

Product	Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80) CAS 1338-43-8
CAS No.	1338-43-8
EC No.	215-665-4
Molecular Formula / Identity	No single formula for the commercial partial-ester mixture; nominal major component C24H44O6
Synonyms	Sorbitan monooleate, Sorbitan oleate, Span 80, Anhydrosorbitol monooleate
Grade / Supply Specification	Confirm acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water, color, fatty-acid profile and intended standard
Packaging	Confirm current packaging for the selected specification and destination

For related sorbitan-based emulsifier grades, see Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60) and Polysorbate 80.

Storage, Safety and Documentation

Store and handle the product in accordance with the current supplier TDS and SDS. Confirm the applicable COA, specification, packaging and destination-market requirements before purchase or use.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Can Span 80 replace Polysorbate 80 because both products carry the number 80?

A: No. Span 80 is a low-HLB, non-ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate, whereas Polysorbate 80 is an ethoxylated and more hydrophilic material. They can play different roles in an emulsion system. Any substitution requires formulation testing; the shared number does not establish composition, HLB behaviour or use-level equivalence.
Q:
Why should commercial Span 80 be specified by composition-related tests rather than formula alone?

A: Sorbitan monooleate is commercially a mixture of sorbitol-derived partial oleate esters. A reference molecular formula does not describe every commercial grade. Confirm the applicable standard and controls such as acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water, colour and fatty-acid profile using the stated test methods.
Q:
When should a Span 80 emulsifier blend be evaluated in the actual formulation?

A: Whenever the oil phase, aqueous phase, process temperature, shear conditions or target emulsion type is material to the result. A blend ratio chosen from nominal HLB values is only a starting point. Stability, viscosity, separation and finished-product appearance must be assessed under the intended processing and storage conditions.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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