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Sorbitan Laurate

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Catalog Number CI-SC-0205
Product Name Sorbitan Laurate
CAS 1338-39-2
Structure
Synonyms Sorbitan, esters, monododecanoate;Sorbitan, monododecanoate;Sorbitan, monolaurate;Sorbitan monolaurate;Anhydrosorbitol monolaurate;Lauric acid sorbitan ester;Span 20
Description Acts as liquid, non-ionic, lipophilic w/o emulsifier. Saponification value 157-171.
IUPAC Name [2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] dodecanoate
Molecular Weight 346.46 g/mol
Molecular Formula C18H34O6
Canonical SMILES CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC([C@@H]1[C@@H]([C@H](CO1)O)O)O
InChI LWZFANDGMFTDAV-WYDSMHRWSA-N
InChI Key InChI=1S/C18H34O6/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-16(21)23-13-15(20)18-17(22)14(19)12-24-18/h14-15,17-20,22H,2-13H2,1H3/t14-,15?,17+,18+/m0/s1
Boiling Point 400 °C
Density 1.032 g/mL
Appearance Amber liquid
Application Emulsions for skin and hair care products
Storage Store light-protected at a cool and dry place
HS Code 3402130000
INCI Sorbitan laurate
Uses Recommended use level 1-5%. For external use only.
Product Overview

Sorbitan Laurate, a partial monoester derived from natural lauric acid and sorbitan, serves as a mild nonionic surfactant sourced from vegetables. It offers numerous advantages over ionic surfactants, notably in terms of stability, flexibility, and compatibility. As a pale yellow liquid recognized as the most hydrophilic component among sorbitan-fatty-acid esters, Sorbitan Laurate demonstrates solubility in various lipophilic bases and organic solvents. With an HLB value of 8.6, it is particularly effective as a co-emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsions, and is commonly used alongside Polysorbate 20 and other polysorbates.

Custom Q&A

What is Sorbitan Laurate, and how is it produced?

Sorbitan Laurate is a partial monoester of natural lauric acid, which is a fatty acid with a 12-carbon backbone, and sorbitan, a cyclic ether created by the dehydration of sorbitol, a hexahydric alcohol. This process results in a mild nonionic surfactant that is derived from vegetables.

What are the main uses of Sorbitan Laurate?

Sorbitan Laurate is primarily used as a co-emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsions due to its emulsifying properties, characterized by a Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value of 8.6. It is commonly combined with Polysorbate 20 and other polysorbates to stabilize emulsions in various formulations.

What physical properties does Sorbitan Laurate have?

Sorbitan Laurate is a pale yellow liquid known for being the most hydrophilic ingredient within the range of sorbitan-fatty-acid esters. It is soluble in many lipophilic bases and organic solvents, which enhances its versatility in different applications.

How does Sorbitan Laurate compare to other surfactants?

Compared to ionic surfactants, Sorbitan Laurate has several advantages, including greater stability, flexibility, and compatibility. These properties make it a preferred choice in formulations requiring mild nonionic surfactants.

What are the compatibility considerations for using Sorbitan Laurate in formulations?

Sorbitan Laurate is recognized for its compatibility with various other ingredients, particularly in oil-in-water emulsions. It is often used alongside Polysorbate 20 and other polysorbates to improve the stability and performance of the final product. Its solubility in lipophilic bases and organic solvents further supports its use in diverse formulation environments.

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