Sorbitan Monolaurate

Standard grade For Laboratory Use
CAS Number
1338-39-2
HSN Code
29321990
Molecular Formula
C18H34O6
Catalogue Number
AL01437
Purity
≥ 95%
Molecular Weight
346.47 g/mol

Complies with : IP | BP | USP | EP | ACS

ISO 9001 ISO 14001 GMP COA with every batch

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Key Properties

Appearance Amber to brown liquid
Shelf Life 24 months
Packaging Available in 1L, 5L, and 25L containers
Storage Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Span 20, also known as sorbitan monolaurate, is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier that is widely utilized in various industries due to its ability to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions. It is particularly valued for its low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) which makes it suitable for formulations requiring a water-in-oil emulsion system. Span 20 is derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, and its unique properties allow it to function effectively in a range of applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Its versatility and effectiveness as an emulsifier make it a staple in formulation chemistry.

Also known as Span 20, Sorbitan Monolaurate.

Catalogue No.
AL01437
CAS Number
1338-39-2
Molecular Formula
C18H34O6
Molecular Weight
346.47 g/mol
HSN Code
29321990
Grade
Standard grade
Product Form
Substance

Span 20 appears as an amber to brown liquid with a density of 1.032 g/mL. It has a viscosity that can vary depending on the concentration and temperature, typically ranging from 100 to 500 cP at 25°C. The melting point of Span 20 is approximately 10°C, while its boiling point is around 300°C. It is soluble in oils and organic solvents but has limited solubility in water, which is characteristic of low HLB emulsifiers. The product has a mild odor, typical of fatty acid derivatives, and is stable under normal storage conditions.

Appearance
Amber to brown liquid
Shelf Life
24 months
Packaging
Available in 1L, 5L, and 25L containers
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

1.1 — Product identifier

Chemical Name
Sorbitan Monolaurate
Catalogue No.
AL01437
Product form
Substance
CAS Number
1338-39-2
EC Number
215-661-2
Grade
Standard grade
EC Index Number
Not specified
Chemical Formula
C18H34O6
HSN Code
29321990
Synonyms
Span 20, Sorbitan Monolaurate

1.2 — Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against

Use of the substance/mixture
Emulsifier, surfactant
Uses advised against
Not specified

1.3 — Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet

Company identification
Address:- 102, B wing, Savgan Heights, RTO Lane,Andheri (W), Mumbai-400 053Maharashtra, India.

1.4 — Emergency Contact Details

Phone / e-Mail
Phone : +91 22 26317055 Mobile : +91 9820385757 e-mail : info@alphachemika.co.in

2.3 — Other hazards

Other hazards
None known

3.1 — Substance

Name
Sorbitan Monolaurate
CAS No.
1338-39-2

4.1 — Description of first aid measures

First-aid measures after inhalation
Move to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
First-aid measures after skin contact
Wash with soap and water. If irritation occurs, seek medical attention.
First-aid measures after eye contact
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
First-aid measures after ingestion
Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

4.2 — Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed

Symptoms relating to use
May cause mild irritation to skin and eyes.

4.3 — Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed

General information
Treat symptomatically. Show this safety data sheet to the treating physician.

5.1 — Extinguishing media

Suitable extinguishing media
Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam.
Unsuitable extinguishing media
Not specified

5.2 — Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture

Special procedures
Combustible material; may produce toxic fumes when burned.

5.3 — Advice for firefighters

Protection during firefighting
Do not enter fire area without proper protective equipment, including respiratory protection.

6.1.1 — For non-emergency personnel

Emergency procedures
Contain spill and absorb with inert material. Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

6.3 — Methods and material for containment and cleaning up

Methods for cleaning up
Use appropriate protective equipment. Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping hazards.

6.4 — Reference to other sections

Reference
Not specified

7.1 — Precautions for safe handling

Precautions for safe handling
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area.
Hygiene measures
Wash hands and other exposed areas with mild soap and water before eating, drinking or smoking and when leaving work.

7.2 — Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities

Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible materials.

8.2 — Exposure controls

Hand protection
Protective gloves (e.g. nitrile rubber)
Eye protection
Chemical safety goggles or safety glasses
Skin and body protection
Wear suitable protective clothing
Respiratory protection
Not required under normal conditions of use.

9.1 — Information on basic physical and chemical properties

Physical state
Liquid
Colour
Amber to brown
Odour
Mild
Odour threshold
Not specified
pH value
Not applicable
Relative evaporation rate (butylacetate=1)
Not specified
Melting point
10°C
Freezing point
Not specified
Boiling point
300°C
Flash point
> 200°C
Auto-ignition temperature
Not specified
Decomposition temperature
Not specified
Flammability (solid, gas)
Not applicable
Vapour pressure
Not specified
Relative vapour density at 20°C
Not specified
Density
1.032 g/mL
Solubility
Soluble in oils, limited solubility in water
Log Pow
Not specified
Viscosity, kinematic
Not specified
Viscosity, dynamic
100-500 cP at 25°C
Explosive properties
Not explosive
Oxidising properties
Not oxidizing
Explosive limits
Not specified

10.1 — Reactivity

Reactivity
Stable under normal conditions.

10.2 — Chemical stability

Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.

10.3 — Possibility of hazardous reactions

Possibility of hazardous reactions
No dangerous reactions known under normal conditions of use.

10.4 — Conditions to avoid

Conditions to avoid
Avoid contact with incompatible materials and excessive heat.

10.5 — Incompatible materials

Incompatible materials
Strong oxidizing agents.

10.6 — Hazardous decomposition products

Hazardous decomposition products
Not specified

11.1 — Information on toxicological effects

Acute toxicity
Low toxicity; LD50 (oral, rat) > 5000 mg/kg.
Skin corrosion/irritation
Mild irritant.
Serious eye damage/irritation
Mild irritant.
Respiratory or skin sensitisation
Not a sensitizer.
Germ cell mutagenicity
Not classified
Carcinogenicity
Not classified
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure)
Not classified.
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
Not classified

12.1 — Toxicity

Toxicity information
Not specified

12.2 — Persistence - degradability

Persistence - degradability
Not specified

12.3 — Bioaccumulative potential

Bioaccumulative potential
Not specified

12.4 — Mobility in soil

Mobility in soil
Not specified

12.6 — Other adverse effects

Environmental precautions
Not specified

13.1 — Waste treatment methods

Additional Info
Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.

14.1 — UN number

UN-No. (ADR)
Not assigned
UN-No. (IMDG)
Not assigned
UN-No. (IATA)
Not assigned
UN-No. (ADN)
Not assigned
UN-No. (RID)
Not assigned

14.2 — UN proper shipping name

Proper Shipping Name (ADR)
Not classified as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name (IMDG)
Not classified as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name (IATA)
Not classified as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name (ADN)
Not classified as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name (RID)
Not classified as dangerous goods

14.3 — Transport hazard class(es)

Transport hazard class(es)
Not applicable

14.4 — Packing group

Packing group (ADR)
Not applicable
Packing group (IMDG)
Not applicable
Packing group (IATA)
Not applicable
Packing group (ADN)
Not applicable
Packing group (RID)
Not applicable

14.5 — Environmental hazards

Dangerous for the environment
Not specified
Marine pollutant
Not specified
Other information
No supplementary information available

15.1 — Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture

15.1.1 EU-Regulations
Not specified

Span 20 is extensively used as a low-HLB emulsifier in the formulation of water-in-oil emulsions, making it ideal for cosmetic products such as creams and lotions. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an emulsifying agent in topical formulations and drug delivery systems. Additionally, Span 20 is utilized in food formulations, particularly in the production of margarine and spreads, where it helps to maintain texture and stability. Its ability to enhance the solubility of active ingredients also makes it valuable in various research applications.

ISO 9001 ISO 14001 GMP COA with every batch
Batch Number
AL-2026-AL01437
Manufacturing Date
September-2026
Expiry Date
September-2031
Molecular Weight
346.47 g/mol
Test Standard Observed
Assay Purity ≥ 95% 96.5%
Moisture Content ≤ 2% 1.5%
Residue on Ignition ≤ 0.5% 0.3%
Related Substances None detected None detected
Solubility Soluble in oils Pass

The above product is expected to comply with Standard grade grade specification.

Technical Data Sheet

Grade Assay/Purity Melting/Boiling Point Moisture/LOD Residue on Ignition Related Substances Solubility
Standard grade ≥ 95% 10°C / 300°C ≤ 2% ≤ 0.5% None detected Soluble in oils, limited solubility in water
View full Technical Data Sheet

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