CAS · 1338-39-2
Product Overview
Span 20 is a high-purity surfactants supplied for industrial and specialty chemical applications. Contact our team for specifications, packaging options and lead times.
Product Specifications
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Odour | Slight stench |
| Colour Lovibond (R/Y) | 10R 45Y max |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in ethyl acetate and insoluble in water |
| Fatty acid | 56% to 68% |
| Polyols | 36% to 49% |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | 8 max |
| Saponification Value (mg KOH/g) | 158 to 170 |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | 330 to 358 |
| Water | 1.5% max |
| Residue on Ignition | 0.5% max |
| Lead (mg/kg) | 2 max |
| Arsenic (mg/kg) | 3 max |
| Iodine value (g I2/100g) | 10 max |
| Peroxide Value (meq/kg) | 5 max |
| Composition of fatty acid | C6:0: 1% max C8:0: 10% max C10:0: 10% max C12:0: 40% to 60% C14:0: 14% to 25% C16:0: 7% to 15% C18:0: 7% max C18:1: 11% max C18:2: 3% max |
| Heavy metals (mg/kg) | 10 max |
Applications
Span 20 (CAS 1338-39-2), also known as sorbitan monolaurate, is a non-ionic surfactant widely used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. Its primary application is as an emulsifying agent, stabilizer, and dispersant. In food products, Span 20 helps stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, improving texture, consistency, and shelf life in products such as baked goods, sauces, and margarine. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, it is used to stabilize creams, lotions, and topical formulations, ensuring uniform distribution of active ingredients and enhancing product performance. Additionally, it finds application in industrial processes as a wetting agent, dispersant, and solubilizer for formulations in paints, coatings, and agrochemical preparations.
Benefits
The benefits of Span 20 are closely linked to its emulsifying and stabilizing properties. Its non-ionic nature allows it to function effectively across a wide pH range and in combination with other surfactants, enhancing formulation flexibility. It improves product stability by preventing phase separation, creaming, or sedimentation, thereby extending shelf life and maintaining quality. In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, it ensures consistent delivery of active ingredients and enhances product texture and feel. In industrial applications, Span 20 aids in uniform dispersion of materials, reducing defects and improving overall efficiency. Its low toxicity, biodegradability, and compatibility with other ingredients further contribute to safe and sustainable formulation practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Span 20 is a versatile non-ionic surfactant with broad applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations. Its emulsifying, stabilizing, and dispersing properties improve product quality, consistency, and performance. By offering safety, versatility, and efficiency, Span 20 continues to be an essential ingredient in modern formulations across multiple industries.
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