Span60 CAS：76169-00-1
Effective Emulsification & Dispersion： Span 60 delivers excellent performance as an emulsifier, with outstanding emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties in water-in-oil (W/O) systems.
Strong Compatibility in Formulations： It is highly compatible with most surfactants, allowing it to be widely used in various formulations across different industries.
Improved Fiber Processing Performance： Used as an antistatic and softening agent, it effectively enhances the processing performance and wear properties of acrylic fibers.
Extensive Industrial Applications： Span 60 is widely applied in food, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, coatings, plastics and cosmetics, helping improve product stability and overall performance.
1. Product Overview
Span® 60, also known as sorbitan monostearate, is a lipophilic non-ionic surfactant that belongs to the sorbitan ester product series. It is produced through the esterification reaction between sorbitol and its anhydrides with stearic acid, forming a composite mixture composed of sorbitan partial stearate and its mono- and di-anhydride esters.
With a molecular formula of C₂₄H₄₆O₆, a CAS number of 1338-41-6 and a molecular weight of around 430.62 g/mol, Span 60 usually appears as a light brown, cream or yellowish-white waxy solid, and can be supplied in bead, flake or powder form with a mild fatty aroma. As a lipophilic emulsifier with a low HLB value of 4.7, Span 60 is mainly used to stabilize water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion systems and also serves as an effective structure-enhancing additive.
Thanks to its wide adaptability, mild properties and good compatibility with other surfactants, it has become an indispensable raw material in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial applications. In the food industry, this ingredient is legally used as food additive E491. The pharmaceutical-grade product is recorded in mainstream pharmacopoeias and approved for use in both topical preparations and oral formulations.
2. Key Features
Ideal HLB Value (4.7): With a low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value, Span 60 acts as a main emulsifier for stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. It also works effectively as a co-emulsifier when blended with high-HLB surfactants such as Tween series, helping form stable oil-in-water (O/W) systems.
Strong Thickening & Structuring Effect: As a waxy solid with a melting point ranging from 49°C to 65°C, it adds texture, viscosity and firmness to creams, lotions and stick products. Its crystalline structure forms a stable network that thickens formulations and improves overall stability.
Superior Aeration & Foam Stability: In food production, especially in whipped cream toppings and bakery products, Span 60 stabilizes air bubbles effectively, enhancing product volume, texture and mouthfeel.
Widely Approved by Global Regulations: Span 60 is internationally accepted as safe food additive E491. According to EFSA regulations, the group ADI for sorbitan esters is set at 10 mg/kg body weight per day calculated as sorbitan. Pharmaceutical-grade products fully meet USP/NF and European Pharmacopoeia requirements.
Mild & Skin-Safe Formula: It features low skin irritation and low toxicity, making it highly suitable for personal care and cosmetic products designed for sensitive skin.
Great Compatibility with Other Ingredients: It can be compounded with anionic, cationic and other non-ionic surfactants to achieve synergistic effects. The combination with polysorbates like Tween 60 delivers particularly outstanding results.
Flexible Solubility Properties: Span 60 dissolves in oils, ethanol and various organic solvents. Though insoluble in water, it disperses well in aqueous systems, which reflects its typical lipophilic characteristics.
3. Technical Specifications with Explanations
| Parameter | Typical Value/Specification | Description & Significance |
| CAS Number | 1338-41-6 | Universal chemical identifier for sorbitan monostearate . |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₄H₄₆O₆ | Represents the sorbitan ester structure . |
| Molecular Weight | 430.62 g/mol | Used for stoichiometric calculations and for converting between sorbitan ester and sorbitan equivalents . |
| Appearance | Tan, cream, pale yellow, or off-white waxy solid (beads, flakes, or powder) | Visual quality indicator; color may vary slightly by grade and manufacturing source . |
| Odor | Faint, mild fatty odor | Sensory characteristic critical for applications in cosmetics and food . |
| HLB Value | 4.7 | Core functional parameter. Indicates strong lipophilic character, ideal for W/O emulsions and structure building . |
| Melting Point | 49 – 65°C | Characteristic range; narrower range indicates higher purity. Essential for processing parameters . |
| Acid Value | 5 – 11 mg KOH/g | Measures free fatty acid content. Low value indicates complete esterification and prevents rancidity . |
| Saponification Value | 140 – 157 mg KOH/g | Verifies the average molecular weight and total ester content. Consistency ensures predictable emulsifying properties . |
| Hydroxyl Value | 230 – 260 mg KOH/g | Ensures the correct ratio of hydrophilic groups; crucial for maintaining consistent HLB value . |
| Density | 0.98 – 1.03 g/cm³ | Slightly less dense than water; used for volume-to-weight conversions . |
| Flash Point | > 110°C | High flash point indicates low fire risk during storage and handling . |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 0.001% (10 ppm) | Critical safety parameter ensuring compliance with food and pharmaceutical regulations . |
| Sulfated Ash | ≤ 0.5% | Measures inorganic impurity content; low value indicates high purity . |
| Solubility | Oils/Ethanol: Soluble | Critical formulation parameter. Solubility profile dictates its use in oil phases and as a W/O emulsifier . |
| Water: Insoluble but dispersible | ||
| Acetone/Hexane: Insoluble | ||
| Storage Temperature | Room Temperature (RT), cool & dry | Store in sealed containers, away from light and moisture . |
4. Purchasing & Selection Guide
Select by Application Area
For Food Manufacturers Choose food-grade Span 60 that complies with E491 standards. Check conformity with regional regulations including FDA 21 CFR and EU Regulation 1333/2008. Ask for COA to verify acid value, saponification value and heavy metal content below 10 ppm. Follow permitted maximum addition limits, such as 10,000 mg/kg in fine bakery products. Mainly used in dry yeast protection, baked goods, confectionery and dairy substitutes.
For Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Use pharmaceutical-grade Span 60 in line with USP/NF or Ph. Eur. standards. Obtain DMF files and cGMP production certification. Recommended dosage in external preparations is 0.5% to 5%. Confirm compatibility with active pharmaceutical ingredients and other excipients. Widely applied in external creams, ointments and oral solid preparations. For Cosmetic Formulators Pick cosmetic or high-purity grade with strict color and odor control. Use as main emulsifier at 1–5% in water-in-oil emulsion systems. Blend with Tween 60 to adjust HLB value and enhance stability for oil-in-water formulas. Commonly used in creams, lotions, lipsticks, foundations and hair conditioners.
For Industrial Users Choose technical-grade Span 60 for textile processing, pesticides and industrial coatings. Select physical form such as beads or flakes according to feeding and dissolving needs. Critical Selection Considerations
**Physical Form**: Beads and flakes are dust-free and easier to operate, while powder suits direct mixing.
**HLB Matching**: Calculate required HLB of the oil phase, and mix Span 60 (HLB 4.7) with high-HLB surfactants such as Tween 60 (HLB 14.9) to match formulation needs.
**Regulatory Compliance**: Confirm the product grade is approved for your target market and application area.
**Solubility**: Span 60 is oil-soluble and should be dissolved in the oil phase under heating during preparation.
