Sorbitan monolaurate: Difference between revisions

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'''Sorbitan monolaurate''' is a [[surfactant]] that is commonly used in the food and cosmetic industries. It is also known as '''Span 20''' and is derived from the dehydration of [[sorbitol]] and [[lauric acid]].
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Sorbitan Monolaurate}}


==Chemical Structure==
== Overview ==
Sorbitan monolaurate is an [[ester]] of [[lauric acid]] and [[hexitol]] anhydrides derived from [[sorbitol]]. It is a waxy powder that is used as an emulsifier in many food and cosmetic products. The chemical formula of sorbitan monolaurate is C24H46O6.
[[File:Sorbitan_monolaurate.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Sorbitan Monolaurate]]
'''Sorbitan monolaurate''' is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier commonly used in the production of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is derived from the dehydration of [[sorbitol]] and the esterification of the resulting sorbitan with [[lauric acid]].


==Uses==
== Chemical Properties ==
Sorbitan monolaurate is used in a variety of industries due to its properties as a surfactant. In the [[food industry]], it is used as an emulsifier in food products such as cake mixes, icings, whipped toppings, and non-dairy creamers. It helps to stabilize these products and improve their texture and shelf life.
Sorbitan monolaurate is a member of the [[sorbitan esters]] family, which are known for their ability to stabilize emulsions. The chemical formula for sorbitan monolaurate is C<sub>18</sub>H<sub>34</sub>O<sub>6</sub>. It is characterized by its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value, which makes it suitable for use in water-in-oil emulsions.


In the [[cosmetic industry]], sorbitan monolaurate is used in products such as lotions, creams, and makeup. It helps to keep the ingredients in these products mixed together and can also act as a thickening agent.
== Applications ==
Sorbitan monolaurate is widely used in various industries due to its emulsifying properties:


==Safety==
=== Food Industry ===
Sorbitan monolaurate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]]. However, like all food additives, it should be used in moderation. Some people may experience allergic reactions to sorbitan monolaurate, although this is rare.
In the [[food industry]], sorbitan monolaurate is used as an emulsifier in products such as baked goods, margarine, and chocolate. It helps to maintain the texture and consistency of these products by preventing the separation of oil and water components.


==See Also==
=== Cosmetics ===
* [[Sorbitan monostearate]]
In the [[cosmetics]] industry, sorbitan monolaurate is used in creams, lotions, and other personal care products. It helps to blend ingredients that would otherwise separate, providing a smooth and stable product.
* [[Sorbitan tristearate]]
* [[Sorbitan monopalmitate]]


=== Pharmaceuticals ===
In the [[pharmaceutical]] industry, sorbitan monolaurate is used as an excipient in the formulation of various drugs. It aids in the delivery of active ingredients by improving the solubility and stability of the formulation.
== Safety and Regulations ==
Sorbitan monolaurate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) for use in food products. However, it is important to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding its concentration and usage in different applications.
== Related Pages ==
* [[Sorbitan esters]]
* [[Emulsifier]]
* [[Lauric acid]]
* [[Sorbitol]]
[[Category:Surfactants]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Surfactants]]
[[Category:Cosmetic chemicals]]
[[Category:Cosmetic chemicals]]
{{food-stub}}
{{chem-stub}}

Latest revision as of 05:20, 16 February 2025


Overview[edit]

Chemical structure of Sorbitan Monolaurate

Sorbitan monolaurate is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier commonly used in the production of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is derived from the dehydration of sorbitol and the esterification of the resulting sorbitan with lauric acid.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Sorbitan monolaurate is a member of the sorbitan esters family, which are known for their ability to stabilize emulsions. The chemical formula for sorbitan monolaurate is C18H34O6. It is characterized by its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value, which makes it suitable for use in water-in-oil emulsions.

Applications[edit]

Sorbitan monolaurate is widely used in various industries due to its emulsifying properties:

Food Industry[edit]

In the food industry, sorbitan monolaurate is used as an emulsifier in products such as baked goods, margarine, and chocolate. It helps to maintain the texture and consistency of these products by preventing the separation of oil and water components.

Cosmetics[edit]

In the cosmetics industry, sorbitan monolaurate is used in creams, lotions, and other personal care products. It helps to blend ingredients that would otherwise separate, providing a smooth and stable product.

Pharmaceuticals[edit]

In the pharmaceutical industry, sorbitan monolaurate is used as an excipient in the formulation of various drugs. It aids in the delivery of active ingredients by improving the solubility and stability of the formulation.

Safety and Regulations[edit]

Sorbitan monolaurate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food products. However, it is important to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding its concentration and usage in different applications.

Related Pages[edit]