Hubbry Logo
Sorbitan monooleateSorbitan monooleateMain
Open search
Sorbitan monooleate
Community hub
Sorbitan monooleate
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Sorbitan monooleate
Sorbitan monooleate
Sorbitan monooleate
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Sorbitan monooleate
Names
IUPAC name
1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol 6-[(9Z)-octadec-9-enoate]
Systematic IUPAC name
(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-Dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl (9Z)-octadec-9-enoate
Other names
  • Sorbitan oleate
  • Span 80
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.014.242 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 618-490-5
E number E494 (thickeners, ...)
UNII
  • InChI=1S/C24H44O6/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-22(27)29-19-21(26)24-23(28)20(25)18-30-24/h9-10,20-21,23-26,28H,2-8,11-19H2,1H3/b10-9-/t20-,21+,23+,24+/m0/s1
    Key: NWGKJDSIEKMTRX-AAZCQSIUSA-N
  • CCCCCCCC/C=C\CCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H]([C@@H]1[C@@H]([C@H](CO1)O)O)O
Properties
C24H44O6
Molar mass 428.610 g·mol−1
Density 0.986 g/mL[1]
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Sorbitan monooleate (commercially: Span® 80; Croda International PLC) is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is a sorbitan ester produced by the esterification of sorbitan with oleic acid, resulting in a light yellow, viscous liquid that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

Chemistry

[edit]

As a nonionic surfactant, sorbitan monooleate forms a protective layer around dispersed droplets in the emulsion. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing coalescence and phase separation. This helps disperse water droplets within an oil matrix, maintaining the emulsion structure.

  • Chemical Formula: C24H44O6[2]
  • HLB Value: 4.3; suitable for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. Soluble in warm water and has good dispersibility in organic solvents such as ethanol and ethyl acetate.[3]
  • Physical Form: Amber liquid[3]
  • Fatty acid composition: Oleic acid (C18:1) ≤ 60%; balance primarily linoleic (C18:2), linolenic (C18:3) and palmitic (C16:0) acids.[4]

At high concentrations, sorbitan monooleate can increase the viscosity of the emulsion, which can further enhance stability by reducing the movement of dispersed droplets.[5]

When combined with other surfactants, especially those with higher HLB values like Tween 80, sorbitan monooleate can contribute to the overall stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.[2] This combination allows for the creation of emulsifying systems with various HLB values, enabling the emulsification of a wide range of oils and waxes.

Uses

[edit]

Emulsification

[edit]

Sorbitan monooleate is used to stabilize emulsions by facilitating the mixture of non-miscible components like oil and water. It is particularly effective in forming stable W/O emulsions.[2] It reduces the interfacial tension between oil and water phases in an emulsion. This lowered tension helps prevent the separation of the two phases, promoting a more stable emulsion.

Pharmaceuticals

[edit]

Sorbitan monooleate is used as a wetting agent and dispersant in lipophilic pharmaceutical bases.[2] It is extensively used as a wetting agent and dispersant for materials such as zinc oxide, calamine and penicillin in lipophilic pharmaceutical bases. It is also employed in drug delivery systems to improve the bioavailability of lipophilic compounds.[3]

In research, sorbitan monooleate has been used in a study to assess transfersomes as a transdermal delivery system for sertraline.[6] It has also been used in a study to investigate the dominant factors affecting the stability of nanoemulsions through the use of artificial neural networks.[7]

Food Industry

[edit]

Approved for use in various food applications, sorbitan monooleate helps improve texture and stability in products like ice cream and salad dressings.[3]

Cosmetics

[edit]

Sorbitan monooleate is utilized in creams and ointments for its emulsifying properties.[2] Recommended topical usage levels are 0.5-5%.

Environmental Impact

[edit]

Span 80 is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly option for industrial applications.[2]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sorbitan monooleate

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sorbitan monooleate, commonly known as Span 80, is a non-ionic and emulsifier consisting of the partial of (dehydrated to ) with , characterized by the molecular C24H44O6 and a CAS number of 1338-43-8. It appears as an amber to yellow viscous liquid with a density of approximately 0.986 g/mL at 25°C and a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) value of 4.3, making it particularly effective for forming stable -in-oil emulsions. Insoluble in but soluble in and oils, it serves as a versatile ingredient in various formulations due to its emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties. In the , is approved by the U.S. (FDA) as an emulsifier under 21 CFR 173.75 for use in clarifying cane or beet sugar juice or liquor. In the , it is authorized as the E 494, permitted in similar applications with a group (ADI) of 10 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as ) for sorbitan esters when used singly or in combination, based on safety assessments confirming no concerns and adequate margins of safety from toxicological studies. Beyond food, sorbitan monooleate finds extensive application in and pharmaceuticals as a stabilizer and thickener in creams, lotions, and ointments, as well as in nanoemulsions for and research. It is also employed in industrial contexts, including textiles, paints, and lubricants, where its ability to reduce aids in and dispersion. Overall, its low toxicity profile—approved for intended uses—and biodegradability contribute to its widespread adoption across sectors, with exposure levels from food sources well below established safety thresholds.

Chemistry

Chemical Structure

Sorbitan monooleate is a non-ionic composed primarily of the monoester formed between and , with the molecular formula C24H44O6 for the main component. This formula reflects the combination of the C6H12O5 moiety and the C18H34O oleoyl group, accounting for the loss of during esterification. The chemical structure features , a dehydration product of —a hexitol derived from glucose—where internal etherification occurs to form a five-membered ring with three remaining hydroxyl groups. This core is partially esterified at one of its hydroxyl positions, typically the primary 6-position, with , an 18-carbon unsaturated characterized by a cis double bond between carbons 9 and 10. The resulting structure imparts amphiphilic properties, with the polar head and non-polar oleic tail. The IUPAC name for the predominant isomer is (2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl (9Z)-octadec-9-enoate, also denoted as 1,4-anhydro-6-O-[(9Z)-octadec-9-enoyl]-D-glucitol. Commercial preparations of sorbitan monooleate are not a single compound but a mixture of mono-, di-, and tri-esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides with oleic acid, where the monoesters are the predominant component, alongside minor amounts of free sorbitol, fatty acids, and polyols. Sorbitan itself arises from the acid-catalyzed dehydration of sorbitol, primarily yielding the 1,4-anhydro-D-glucitol isomer through intramolecular cyclization. Historically, sorbitan monooleate has been known by the trade name Span 80 since its development in the mid-20th century by (ICI), now part of Croda International, as part of the Span series of sorbitan esters.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Sorbitan monooleate appears as a viscous, amber to yellow liquid at . It is insoluble in , with solubility below 0.1 g/100 mL, but readily soluble in , , and vegetable oils. This lipophilic character is reflected in its hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) value of 4.3, making it suitable for water-in-oil emulsions. The compound has a density of approximately 0.96-0.98 g/cm³ at 25°C and a of 1.48 at 20°C. Its melting point ranges from 10-14°C, with a pour point around -10°C, indicating it remains fluid at low temperatures. Viscosity is typically 1000-2000 mPa·s at 20°C. Key chemical metrics include an of not more than 8 mg KOH/g and a of 145-165 mg KOH/g, consistent with its partial composition. Sorbitan monooleate is stable under neutral to acidic conditions but undergoes under basic conditions, yielding and . As a non-ionic , it exhibits low foaming and is compatible with most other , with minimal reactivity toward oxidizing agents under normal storage.

Production

Synthesis

Sorbitan monooleate is primarily synthesized through a two-step process: the of to form , followed by the esterification of with . This method yields a mixture of mono-, di-, and polyesters, with the monoleate being the predominant component targeted for emulsifying applications. The step involves heating to 110–160°C under reduced pressure (e.g., 5–0.096 MPa) in the presence of an acid catalyst such as or aluminum chloride (1–1.1% by weight). This reaction promotes the loss of water and intramolecular ring closure, primarily forming 1,4-sorbitan along with minor amounts of and unreacted . The process is typically conducted for 70–110 minutes under an inert atmosphere like to prevent oxidation, with the extent of dehydration monitored via (targeting 1,150–1,400 mg KOH/g) or water loss degree (0.93–0.98). The simplified reaction is represented as: Sorbitol→Sorbitan+H2O\text{Sorbitol} \rightarrow \text{Sorbitan} + \text{H}_2\text{O} This step is crucial for generating the cyclic polyol structure necessary for subsequent esterification. In the esterification step, the resulting sorbitan mixture is reacted with oleic acid at 180–220°C for 2.5–9 hours, using a molar ratio of sorbitan to oleic acid of approximately 1:1.1–1.85. Catalysts such as alkaline agents (e.g., sodium hydroxide or a NaOH:Na₂CO₃ mixture at 0.2–1% by weight) or acid catalysts like p-toluenesulfonic acid facilitate the reaction under vacuum (0.07–0.098 MPa) and agitation to remove water and drive equilibrium forward. The reaction progress is tracked by acid value (≤7–8 mg KOH/g), with the primary product being sorbitan monooleate alongside side products like diesters and triesters. The key reaction is: Sorbitan+Oleic acid→Sorbitan monooleate\text{Sorbitan} + \text{Oleic acid} \rightarrow \text{Sorbitan monooleate} Yields of the monoester typically range from 50–62%, with diesters at 30% and polyesters at 8%. Challenges in synthesis include controlling the degree of esterification to maximize monoester content and minimize over-esterification, which can be influenced by temperature, catalyst type, and molar ratios; excessive heat (>215–260°C) also promotes unwanted coloration. Purification often involves distillation or solvent extraction to isolate the desired monooleate fraction. Alternative approaches include direct esterification of sorbitol with oleic acid in a one-pot reaction without complete dehydration, using combined catalysts like sodium hydroxide and phosphorous acid at 210–220°C. Emerging enzymatic methods employ immobilized lipases (e.g., Novozym 435 from Candida antarctica) in solvent-free systems at milder conditions (60°C, 48 hours, sorbitan:oleic acid ratio 2:1), achieving higher monoester purity (~80%) and yields up to 95% with reduced by-products, though these remain non-commercial due to cost.

Commercial Manufacturing

Sorbitol, the primary raw material for sorbitan monooleate, is produced on a commercial scale from the enzymatic of D-glucose derived from starch or . , the other key raw material, is obtained from the of vegetable oils such as , sunflower, or , or from animal , ensuring food-grade quality for downstream applications. These renewable sources contribute to the product's biodegradability and compliance with pharmacopeial standards. The industrial production process scales up the direct esterification of with , typically conducted in batch or continuous stirred reactors under vacuum conditions to facilitate and water removal. The reaction employs acidic catalysts like , often combined with basic catalysts such as , at temperatures not exceeding 215°C for 2.5 to 5 hours, yielding a of sorbitan esters. of to form anhydrides occurs concurrently or in a preliminary step using wiped-film evaporators to enhance efficiency and control formation. This process avoids the need for separate cyclization, optimizing energy use and throughput in large-scale facilities. Following esterification, the crude product undergoes purification through neutralization of residual catalysts with , decolorization using , and to remove impurities and achieve clarity. The resulting commercial sorbitan monooleate is a viscous, liquid comprising primarily sorbitan monooleate (the predominant component) along with minor amounts of di- and tri-esters, esters, and derivatives, with overall ester content ≥95%. Yields are optimized to meet pharmacopeial requirements, such as the /National Formulary (USP/NF) specification of ≥72% content upon , while global annual production reaches thousands of tons to support diverse industries. Quality control in commercial manufacturing ensures consistency through rigorous testing of key parameters, including (≤8 mg KOH/g), (145–160 mg KOH/g), (193–210 mg KOH/g), (≤2%), and color on the Gardner scale (≤10). Limits on and residue on ignition (≤0.5%) are also enforced to comply with USP/NF and European Union specifications under Regulation (EU) No 231/2012. Major producers, such as Croda International Plc (under the Span™ 80 brand) and Evonik Industries AG, offer variations including food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and technical-grade products tailored to these standards.

Uses

Food Industry

Sorbitan monooleate, designated as E 494 in the , serves as an approved functioning primarily as a non-ionic emulsifier to form and stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in various products. It is particularly effective in preventing in fat-water mixtures, enabling smoother textures and extended shelf life in items such as , , icings, and whipped toppings. In the United States, it is regulated under 21 CFR 173.75 as a secondary direct for use as an emulsifier in dispersions intended for clarifying cane or beet sugar juice or liquor, with maximum concentrations of 0.70 ppm in sugar juice and 1.4 ppm in sugar liquor. Typical usage levels range from 0.5% to 1% of the formulation weight, depending on the product, to achieve optimal emulsification without altering flavor or appearance; for instance, it improves crumb structure in baked goods. Historically, sorbitan esters including monooleate were incorporated into lists in the mid-20th century, with the (EFSA) re-evaluating their safety in 2017 and confirming a group (ADI) of 10 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as ) for the sorbitan esters (E 491–495), based on no-observed-adverse-effect levels from toxicological studies.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Sorbitan monooleate, known by its INCI name Oleate, functions primarily as a co-emulsifier and lipophilic in formulations, enabling the stable blending of oil and water phases. Its low hydrophilic-lipophile balance (HLB) value of 4.3 makes it particularly suitable for water-in-oil (W/O) , such as those found in lip balms and sunscreens, where it promotes even distribution and stability. In oil-in-water (O/W) systems like creams and lotions, it serves as a co-emulsifier to enhance emulsion integrity without compromising texture. This ingredient is commonly incorporated into a range of and products, including foundations, conditioners, and deodorants, at typical concentrations of 1-5%. In makeup formulations like foundations, it stabilizes pigments and filters, ensuring uniform color dispersion and application. For conditioners, it aids in detangling and conditioning by improving the spreadability of emollients, while in deodorants, it contributes to the stability of active ingredients. These applications leverage its low water solubility to maintain formulation consistency over time. Sorbitan monooleate offers several benefits in personal care, including enhanced spreadability, improved moisturization, and a non-irritating profile suitable for sensitive . Derived from plant-based sources like oils, it aligns with clean beauty trends that prioritize natural-origin ingredients, with its use in such formulations increasing since the amid growing consumer demand for PEG-free and sustainable options. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has assessed it as safe for use in at concentrations up to the reported maximum of 7% in leave-on products, with no significant risks of or under typical conditions.

Pharmaceuticals

Sorbitan monooleate serves as a non-ionic surfactant and excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, primarily functioning as an emulsifier in oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, as well as in creams and suppositories. It aids in solubilizing lipophilic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), such as fat-soluble vitamins, by reducing interfacial tension and stabilizing dispersed phases. In semi-solid preparations like ointments and creams, it is typically incorporated at concentrations of 0.5-5%, while in suppositories, usage levels can reach up to 15% to facilitate drug release and base compatibility. Pharmaceutical-grade sorbitan monooleate complies with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP)/National Formulary (NF) monograph, which requires it to yield not less than 72.0% and not more than 78.0% fatty acids (as oleic acid) upon saponification. In topical applications, sorbitan monooleate is used in ointments and creams for treating conditions, where it enhances the spreadability and penetration of APIs like corticosteroids or antifungals by forming stable emulsions that adhere to the skin barrier. For oral delivery, it stabilizes emulsions for nutrient supplementation, particularly for lipophilic vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, improving their in aqueous environments. Additionally, it functions as an adjuvant in certain formulations, contributing to oil-based emulsions that enhance stability and elicitation. The of sorbitan monooleate, derived from renewable and sources, makes it suitable for parenteral and mucosal routes, with low toxicity profiles supporting its role in enhancing the of poorly water-soluble APIs through micelle formation and improved dissolution. Historically, sorbitan esters including monooleate have been recognized in pharmacopeias since the mid-20th century, with USP inclusion dating back to at least the 1940s for emulsifying applications. Recent advancements leverage its properties in , such as encapsulating drugs in liposomes or solid lipid nanoparticles to achieve controlled release and targeted delivery. Pharmaceutical-grade material must be rigorously purified to meet (GMP) standards, including limits for impurities such as not exceeding 10 ppm to ensure safety in systemic exposure. This underscores its reliability in formulations requiring long-term stability and minimal .

Industrial Applications

Sorbitan monooleate, commonly referred to as Span 80, serves as a versatile non-ionic and emulsifier in various , leveraging its lipophilic properties to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions. In fluids, it emulsifies oil-water mixtures to provide effective and cooling during , reducing wear on tools and workpieces. Similarly, in textile , it functions as a softening agent, enhancing smoothness and facilitating and finishing operations for improved fabric . Its role extends to paints and coatings, where it aids dispersion, promoting uniform distribution and long-term stability in formulations. In the agricultural sector, sorbitan monooleate is incorporated into emulsions to enhance the dispersion and of active ingredients, improving spray coverage and efficacy while minimizing environmental runoff. For inks and coatings, it supports dispersion by reducing agglomeration, ensuring consistent color intensity and control in applications. In leather treatment, it acts as a softening agent, imparting flexibility and durability to hides during tanning and finishing stages. Additionally, as an anti-foam agent in lubricants, it suppresses foam generation in high-shear environments, maintaining in industrial equipment. Typical concentrations in these formulations range from 0.5% to 2% by weight, optimizing performance without compromising product integrity. Technical-grade sorbitan monooleate permits higher impurity levels than food or pharmaceutical grades, rendering it cost-effective for non-consumer industrial uses where stringent purity is not required. It demonstrates thermal stability at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for processing applications such as and molding. Emerging applications post-2020 include its use as a stabilizer in 3D printing resins for emulsion-templated porous structures and in formulations to enhance phase stability. Non-food industrial sectors account for a significant portion of total production, approximately 40%, underscoring its importance in beyond consumer products.

Safety and Toxicology

Human Health Effects

Sorbitan monooleate exhibits low acute toxicity, with an oral LD50 greater than 35 g/kg body weight in rats, indicating minimal risk from single high-dose ingestion. It acts as a mild irritant to skin and eyes upon direct contact but does not induce skin sensitization. Inhalation of high concentrations may lead to respiratory tract irritation, while dermal absorption is minimal due to its low solubility in water. In subchronic studies, sorbitan monooleate showed increased weights at doses as low as 2 g/kg bw/day, with no clear NOAEL identified; the group ADI for sorbitan esters is derived from a NOAEL of 2.6 g/kg bw/day in a long-term study on . Chronic exposure studies show no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or . The European Food Safety Authority's 2017 re-evaluation established a group ADI of 10 mg/kg body weight per day (expressed as ) for sorbitan esters, equivalent to approximately 25 mg/kg body weight per day for sorbitan monooleate. As of 2025, no new toxicological concerns have emerged. Allergic reactions are rare, primarily manifesting as in sensitive individuals, though patch testing demonstrates safety for most users. Upon ingestion, sorbitan monooleate is hydrolyzed in the to , which is metabolized similarly to dietary sugars, and , an that undergoes standard . These breakdown products are readily absorbed, with portions excreted via urine, exhaled as CO2, or eliminated intact in feces, posing no accumulation risk.

Regulatory Status

Sorbitan monooleate is approved by the as a under 21 CFR 173.75 for use as an emulsifier and stabilizer in specific applications. In the , it is approved as the E 494, with a maximum level of 350 mg/kg (expressed as the sum of E 492–494) in fats and oils essentially free of water, and in many other food categories under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has established an (ADI) of 0–25 mg/kg body weight for the group of sorbitan esters, including sorbitan monooleate, based on its low profile. In and , the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that sorbitan monooleate and related sorbitan esters are safe for use as cosmetic ingredients at current practices of use and concentration. Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, sorbitan monooleate is permitted without specific concentration limits in most formulations, though general good manufacturing practices apply. For pharmaceutical applications, sorbitan monooleate is included in the United States Pharmacopeia/National Formulary (USP/NF) monograph, specifying it as a partial oleate ester of and its anhydrides with defined purity and requirements. It is also monograph-listed in the (Ph. Eur.) as sorbitan oleate (monograph 0474), ensuring quality standards for use as an in medicinal products. The recognizes pharmacopeial s like those in USP/NF and Ph. Eur. for , supporting its inclusion in formulations on the WHO Model List of . In industrial applications, sorbitan monooleate faces no specific regulatory restrictions in major jurisdictions, but it is registered under the REACH regulation with CAS number 1338-43-8, requiring compliance with chemical safety assessments for environmental and health risks. Internationally, sorbitan monooleate is approved for food use in under GB 2760-2014 as a permitted emulsifier with specified maximum usage levels in various categories. In , it aligns with JECFA evaluations for safety and is authorized as a . Regarding labeling, sorbitan monooleate itself is not classified as a major food under FDA or regulations, but in cases where it may hydrolyze to during processing, products containing must declare it if it exceeds threshold levels for labeling in the ( (EU) No 1169/2011).

Environmental Impact

Biodegradability

Sorbitan monooleate is classified as readily under Guideline 301 standards, which require at least 60% degradation within 28 days for such classification. In the MITI test ( 301C, manometric respirometry), it achieved 62% degradation after 28 days, surpassing the threshold and confirming its rapid breakdown potential. Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicate that sorbitan esters, including sorbitan monooleate, achieve 60-83% in 28 days and approximately 57% (BOD) within 14 days in standard assays. The compound primarily undergoes of its ester linkage, yielding and as initial products; both metabolites are further degraded by environmental microbes, contributing to overall mineralization. Under aerobic conditions, such as those in plants, primary degradation is facilitated by enzymes produced by microorganisms, resulting in 90% removal within 100 hours. This process leads to ultimate mineralization to and water, with no accumulation of toxic intermediates. The European Food Safety Authority's 2020 assessment further corroborates this for sorbitan esters, noting their ready biodegradability and low persistence in aerobic environments. In anaerobic conditions, such as those in sediments, proceeds more slowly via hydrolytic cleavage of the ester bond, followed by of to organic acids and alcohols, and β-oxidation of to ; no persistent metabolites have been identified. Rates are notably higher in systems than in natural waters, where microbial density is lower, and optimal degradation occurs at neutral , aligning with the activity range of enzymes.

Ecological Effects

Sorbitan monooleate demonstrates low toxicity to aquatic organisms, with thresholds well above environmentally relevant concentrations. For , the 96-hour LC50 exceeds 1000 mg/L in species such as (Oncorhynchus mykiss), indicating minimal risk to freshwater populations. Similarly, the 48-hour for aquatic invertebrates like surpasses 1000 mg/L, and the for growth inhibition is also greater than 1000 mg/L, suggesting negligible direct impacts on primary producers and in aquatic ecosystems. These values align with data from the U.S. Agency (EPA), which reports that esters, including monooleate, are not acutely toxic to aquatic life at levels below their limits. In terrestrial environments, sorbitan monooleate shows no significant potential despite a moderate estimated log Kow, owing to its rapid degradation which limits persistence in . The (EFSA) evaluations of related sorbitan esters confirm safety for microorganisms, with no adverse effects observed on microbial respiration or transformation at relevant exposure levels. Chronic studies from EPA and assessments indicate no long-term harm to terrestrial , including earthworms and invertebrates, supporting the conclusion that typical agricultural or industrial releases pose low risk to ecosystems. Overall risk assessments deem environmental exposure to sorbitan monooleate unlikely to cause ecological harm at standard use concentrations, such as effluent levels below 1 mg/L from and processing. No evidence of endocrine disruption has been identified in available ecotoxicity data for sorbitan esters. As an emulsifier, it may indirectly enhance the mobility of hydrophobic pollutants in aqueous systems, but this effect is minimal due to its low environmental persistence. EFSA's 2020 feed additive evaluation and EPA reviews affirm no chronic adverse effects on aquatic or terrestrial , with its biodegradability further mitigating long-term exposure risks in wastewater from relevant industries.

References

  1. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/s6760
  2. https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB0419567.htm
  3. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-173/subpart-A/section-173.75
  4. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4788
  5. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-04/documents/sorbitan5-20-05.pdf
  6. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/9920342
  7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/sorbitan-oleate
  8. https://www.crodaindustrialspecialties.com/en-gb/product-finder/product/169-span_1_80
  9. https://cdxapps.epa.gov/oms-substance-registry-services/substance-details/86009
  10. https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/jecfa_additives/docs/Monograph1/Additive-432.pdf
  11. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sial/85548
  12. https://www.spectrumchemical.com/sorbitan-monooleate-nf-spa83
  13. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Physical-properties-of-Span-80-and-Tween-80_tbl1_331096612
  14. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/saj/284840
  15. https://www.chembk.com/en/chem/Span-80
  16. https://www.syskem.de/syskem_pages_e/syskem_sorbitan_monooleate.html
  17. https://www.huanachemical.com/products/sorbitan-monooleate/
  18. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4788
  19. https://datasheets.scbt.com/sc-281153.pdf
  20. https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=AAJ62576K2&productDescription=SORBITAN%2BMONOOLEATE%2B1L&vendorId=VN00024248&countryCode=US&language=en
  21. https://patents.google.com/patent/US4297290A/en
  22. https://www.btsjournals.com/assets/2022v13p152-161.pdf
  23. https://patents.google.com/patent/CN104230859A/en
  24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-003-0749-0
  25. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7010202/
  26. https://www.atamanchemicals.com/sorbitan-monooleate_u24659/
  27. http://www.uspbpep.com/usp29/v29240/usp29nf24s0_m77590.html
  28. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32012R0231
  29. https://www.cnchemsino.com/blog/what-is-span-80-used-in-food.html
  30. https://www.specialchem.com/cosmetics/inci-ingredients/sorbitan-oleate
  31. https://www.makingcosmetics.com/EMF-SBOL-01.html
  32. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sorbitan_esters_0.pdf
  33. https://medpaksolutions.com/sorbitan-oleate-in-skincare/
  34. https://www.crodapharma.com/mediaassets/files/health-care/brochures/super-refined-pharmaceutical-excipients.pdf
  35. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581819871877
  36. https://patents.google.com/patent/US2953496A/en
  37. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11159704/
  38. https://patents.google.com/patent/US7914801B1/en
  39. https://www.nbinno.com/article/emulsifiers/sorbitan-monooleate-pharmaceutical-excipient-xp
  40. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10456281/
  41. https://www.drugfuture.com/Pharmacopoeia/usp35/PDF/1963-1964%2520Sorbitan%2520Monooleate.pdf
  42. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/07/07/2014-15764/certain-new-chemicals-receipt-and-status-information
  43. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb5/water_issues/oil_fields/food_safety/data/white_paper/task2_report.pdf
  44. https://www.atamanchemicals.com/sorbitan-monooleate_u23341/
  45. https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=24353
  46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7466655/
  47. https://www.specialchem.com/coatings/product/croda-span-80
  48. https://www.echemi.com/produce/pr1906251028-sorbitan-monoolate-span-80-20-60.html
  49. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.macromol.8b02576
  50. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sorbitan-esters-market
  51. https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/sds/sial/p1754
  52. https://www.spectrumrx.com/media/sd/SPA83_SD.pdf
  53. https://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v17je27.htm
  54. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9487
  55. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9118646/
  56. https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/3008
  57. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/sorbes092014TAR.pdf
  58. https://doi.usp.org/USPNF/USPNF_M77590_03_01.html
  59. https://www.santos.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1338.43.8-Sorbitan-mono-9-octadecenoate-2021.pdf
  60. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6162
  61. https://trc-corp.com/wp-content/uploads/SDS/Sorbitan%2520Monooleate%2520%28SMO%29%2520-%2520SDS%2520English.PDF
  62. https://chemical.kao.com/content/dam/sites/kao/chemical-kao-com/global/pdf/sustainability/saicm/article_05/SafetySummary_glen_SFAE.pdf
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.