Sorbitan Monostearate, commonly known as Span 60, is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and stearic acid. Identified by CAS No. 1338‑41‑6, it functions primarily as a water‑in‑oil (W/O) emulsifier with excellent stability in non‑aqueous systems. Span 60 is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations where low HLB emulsification and thermal stability are required. The product is supplied with standard documentation including MSDS, TDS, and COA.
Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60)CAS 1338‑41‑6
- CAS: 1338-41-6
- Synonyms: Sorbitan Monostearate, Span 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Nonionic Emulsifier
- Einecs: 215-664-9
- Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₄₆O₆
- Grade: Industrial grade 99%
- Package: 200kg iron drum or 50kg plastic drum packaging
Product Description
Physicochemical properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 430.62 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow waxy solid or flakes, with a slight fatty odor |
| Density | 0.98-1.03 g/cm³ (at 25°C) |
| Melting Point | 51-57°C (lit.) |
| Boiling Point | 579.0±45.0°C (at 760 mmHg) |
| Flash Point | >110°C (some sources indicate >185°C) |
| Solubility | – Insoluble in cold water, dispersible in hot water to form a milky emulsion – Soluble in hot ethanol, benzene, mineral oil, vegetable oil, and other organic solvents – Slightly soluble in ethyl ether and petroleum ether |
| HLB Value | 4.7 (indicating strong oil-solubility, suitable for W/O emulsions) |
| Stability | Stable under recommended storage conditions, avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents |
Application Areas
Emulsifier: As a nonionic emulsifier, it is widely used in the preparation of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, such as in cosmetics (face cream, lotion), food (butter, ice cream), and pharmaceuticals (ointment, cream), etc.
Wetting agents and dispersants: used in textile, paint, petroleum, and other industries to enhance wettability and dispersibility.
Other purposes:
Used as a crystal modifier in artificial cream to reduce the “gritty” feeling.
Prevent gum sticking and enhance flexibility in chewing gum.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from sources of fire and heat.
Keep sealed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. The shelf life is usually 2 years.
Safety precautions
Safety: Non-toxic, meets food-grade standards (such as FCC grade), but avoid inhaling dust or contacting eyes
Environmental protection requirements: Discarded packaging must be disposed of in accordance with chemical regulations to avoid polluting water bodies or soil. It is recommended to adopt a closed-loop system during the production process to reduce emissions
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What type of emulsifier is Span 60?
A: Span 60 is a low‑HLB nonionic emulsifier mainly used for water‑in‑oil (W/O) systems. -
Q:
Is Sorbitan Monostearate suitable for food and pharmaceutical use?
A: Yes. Food‑ and pharma‑grade Sorbitan Monostearate is commonly used, subject to relevant regulations and specifications.
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.






