Can Span 60 be substituted directly for Polysorbate 60 because both contain a sorbitan stearate component?

No. Span 60 is the lipophilic sorbitan stearate product, with a typical HLB around 4.7; Polysorbate 60 is ethoxylated and more hydrophilic. They can be evaluated together in oil-in-water systems, but direct substitution changes the emulsifier balance and requires formulation trials.

What grade information should be confirmed before buying Span 60?

Compare ester composition, acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water and physical form. Add the intended application and any required grade specification to the RFQ; the CAS number alone does not establish food or pharmaceutical suitability.

Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60) CAS 1338-41-6

Sorbitan Monostearate (CAS 1338-41-6), also called Span 60 or Sorbitan Stearate, is a nonionic sorbitan ester used mainly as a lipophilic emulsifier or co-emulsifier. Commercial material can contain multiple ester species. Acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water content, physical form and performance in the intended formulation are useful selection criteria. COA, TDS and SDS are available for specification review and safe handling.

CAS: 1338-41-6
Synonyms: Sorbitan Monostearate; Span 60; Sorbitan Stearate.
Einecs: 215-664-9
Molecular Formula: Variable sorbitan stearate ester composition; no single formula represents every commercial grade
Grade: Ester composition, acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water content, physical form and melting behavior define the grade; specification limits are stated in the applicable TDS and COA.
Package: Packaging and net weight are agreed for the quoted grade and quantity.

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Product Description

1 Identity and physicochemical profile

2 Applications and grade selection

3 Quality data and analytical methods

4 Storage and handling

5 Safety, documentation and procurement

Identity and physicochemical profile

Item	Technical guidance
Product identity	Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60), also called sorbitan stearate
CAS / EC	1338-41-6 / 215-664-9
Nominal molecular formula	C₂₄H₄₆O₆ for sorbitan monostearate; commercial ester composition is controlled by specification
Typical physical form	White to cream-colored waxy solid, flakes or beads; the supplied form and melting behavior depend on the grade.
Key quality controls	Acid, saponification and hydroxyl values (mg KOH/g), water content (wt%), appearance and melting or congealing behavior, with the test method stated
Emulsifier properties	Lipophilic nonionic sorbitan ester, with a typical HLB around 4.7; it can act as a water-in-oil emulsifier or a co-emulsifier in a balanced oil-in-water system

Applications and grade selection

Span 60 is used in emulsions, creams and lotions as a lipophilic emulsifier, co-emulsifier or dispersing component. Food and pharmaceutical applications require a grade with the relevant specification and market documentation.

Do not confuse Span 60 with Polysorbate 60; Polysorbate 60 is ethoxylated, more hydrophilic and identified by CAS 9005-67-8.
Compare ester composition, the quality-control values and physical form before running emulsion-stability and temperature-cycle trials in the intended formulation.
Industrial, food and pharmaceutical grades are not automatically interchangeable. The required specification and end-use documentation depend on the application and destination market.

Quality data and analytical methods

Acid, saponification and hydroxyl values are reported in mg KOH/g. Water content is reported in wt% with the test method, such as Karl Fischer titration. Melting and congealing measurements describe different endpoints; compare results using the same method and conditions.

Where the agreed specification includes sorbitan ester content, the JECFA method uses saponification followed by GC/FID determination of isosorbide in the recovered polyol fraction and calibration for the assay. This is a composition assay, not a direct chromatographic purity value for the whole commercial mixture.

Storage and handling

Store Span 60 dry and sealed, protected from contamination and excessive heat. Follow the grade TDS for melting, adding and mixing the material. Avoid local overheating; homogenize the material before taking a representative sample.

Safety, documentation and procurement

Use the Span 60 SDS for safe handling of the solid material or hot melt, personal protective equipment, spill response, transport and disposal.

We can provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the supplied Span 60 grade, together with relevant quality-test information. Send the product name or CAS number, quantity and destination for a quotation; include any key grade or application requirements.

For oil-in-water creams and lotions, Span 60 can be evaluated with Polysorbate 60 (Tween 60). Adjust the emulsifier blend to the oil phase and validate processing, viscosity and emulsion stability; the two products are complementary choices, not direct equivalents.

Compare Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80) when a liquid, oleate-based lipophilic emulsifier is preferable. For more hydrophilic emulsification or solubilizing roles, compare Polysorbate 20 and Polysorbate 80. Fatty-acid composition, ethoxylation, physical form and formulation performance differ; these products are not direct substitutes for Span 60.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Can Span 60 be substituted directly for Polysorbate 60 because both contain a sorbitan stearate component?

A: No. Span 60 is the lipophilic sorbitan stearate product, with a typical HLB around 4.7; Polysorbate 60 is ethoxylated and more hydrophilic. They can be evaluated together in oil-in-water systems, but direct substitution changes the emulsifier balance and requires formulation trials.
Q:
What grade information should be confirmed before buying Span 60?

A: Compare ester composition, acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water and physical form. Add the intended application and any required grade specification to the RFQ; the CAS number alone does not establish food or pharmaceutical suitability.

Ordering & Documentation

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

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Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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