Span S-20 laurate (Span 20) is a typical nonionic surfactant, with the chemical name sorbitan monolaurate (also known as dehydrated sorbitol monolaurate). This product is prepared by first dehydrating sorbitol to form sorbitan, followed by esterification with lauric acid (dodecanoic acid, C12 fatty acid). The product appears as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid with a typical aliphatic ester odor.
From a molecular structure perspective, sorbitan monolaurate molecules contain hydrophilic sorbitan hydroxyl groups and lipophilic lauric acid long-chain alkyl groups. This amphiphilic structure endows the product with excellent water-in-oil (W/O) emulsification capability. With an HLB value of approximately 8.6, it belongs to the water-in-oil emulsifier category, effectively reducing oil-water interfacial tension, forming a stable interfacial film, and producing fine and homogeneous emulsion systems.
Due to the use of high-purity lauric acid as the esterification raw material, Span S-20 exhibits outstanding chemical stability and compatibility. It maintains stable activity in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media, and can be well compounded with various anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants. It is a widely used industrial-grade functional additive.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 失水山梨醇单月桂酸酯 / 脱水山梨醇单月桂酸酯 |
| English Name | Sorbitan Monolaurate / Sorbitan Laurate |
| CAS No. | 1338-39-2 |
| Aliases | Span 20, Span S-20, Sorbitan Monolaurate |
| Main Component | Sorbitan Monolaurate (purity as per product analysis certificate) |
| Raw Acid | Lauric Acid (Dodecanoic Acid, C12 Saturated Fatty Acid) |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic Surfactant |
| HLB Value | Approx. 8.6 |
| Emulsion Type | Water-in-Oil (W/O) |
| Appearance | Light Yellow to Amber Viscous Liquid |
Based on the chemical properties of its main component, Span S-20 is widely used in the following fields: W/O emulsification of cosmetic creams and lotions; emulsification and stabilization of bakery fats and non-dairy creamers in the food industry; emulsification and solubilization of external pharmaceutical creams and ointment bases; dispersion components in textile softeners and antistatic agents; emulsifying monomers in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates and oil-in-water emulsions; pigment dispersion aids in coatings and inks; and emulsification and lubrication components in metalworking fluids.