Overview
Sorbitan monopalmitate (CAS 26266-57-9 ), commercially recognized as Span 40 and approved as E495 , is a non-ionic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and palmitic acid. It stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions across food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing.
Formulators select it for its mid-range HLB value, which positions it between shorter and longer-chain sorbitan esters for targeted emulsion control. In food production, E495 functions as an emulsifier in bakery shortenings and margarine.
It is also used in confectionery coatings to improve texture consistency and shelf stability. Pharmaceutical manufacturers incorporate it into topical creams and ointment bases where controlled water-oil balance is critical to product performance.
Personal care formulators use it to stabilize lotions and conditioning treatments, particularly where a waxy, skin-feel emulsifier is preferred over lighter alternatives. In textile and fiber processing, it acts as a lubricating agent.
It serves as a dispersing agent applied during fiber finishing operations. Sorbitan monopalmitate is supplied as a cream to tan-colored waxy solid, typically in flake or bead form for easy handling in industrial settings.
It is available in food-grade (E495-compliant) and pharmaceutical-grade specifications meeting USP and Ph. Eur. standards. Technical-grade material is also offered for industrial textile and paper applications.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 47 °C |
| Boiling Point | 444.68°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.0412 (rough estimate) |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Appearance | Beads |
| Color | White flakes |
| Form | Solid |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Refractive Index | 1.4593 (estimate) |
| Log P | 5.404 (est) |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29400090 |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 26266-57-9
- EC Number
- 247-568-8
- Mol. Weight
- 402.6
- HS Code
- 29400090
- Category
- Oils, Fats & Waxes