Chemistry:Sorbitan monostearate

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Sorbitan monostearate
Sorbitan monostearate.svg
Names
IUPAC name
1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol 6-octadecanoate
Systematic IUPAC name
(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-Dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl octadecanoate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
UNII
Properties
C24H46O6
Molar mass 430.62 g/mol
Appearance Waxy powder
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Sorbitan monostearate is an ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax.[1]

Uses

Sorbitan monostearate is used in the manufacture of food and healthcare products as a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties.[citation needed] 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).[2] It is also approved for use by the British Pharmacopoeia.[3]

See also

References

  1. Ingredients – Sorbitan Monostearate at sci-toys.com
  2. Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers, Food Standards Agency, 26 November 2010
  3. The British Pharmacopoeia Secretariat (2009). "Index, BP 2009". http://www.pharmacopoeia.co.uk/pdf/2009_index.pdf.