Span S-60 (Sorbitan monostearate, CAS No. 1338-41-6) is a white to pale yellow waxy solid, classified as a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 4.7. According to the GHS classification criteria, this product is classified as Skin irritation Category 2 (H315), Serious eye damage Category 2 (H319), and Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure Category 3 (H335, may cause respiratory irritation). Its oral LD50 in rats is greater than 15000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity, with a flash point greater than 149°C and non-flammable under normal conditions of use. These data are sourced from the Guoli Chemical product database.
In terms of personal protection, operators must wear certified chemical protective gloves (recommended nitrile rubber or neoprene) and chemical safety goggles or face shields. If dust or vapors may be generated during operation and ventilation is insufficient, a certified particulate respirator (e.g., N95 mask) should be used. Wear standard work protective clothing to avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact. Contaminated work clothing must be cleaned before reuse. Eating, drinking, or smoking is prohibited in the work area. Hands and any potentially contacted skin areas should be thoroughly washed after operation. It is recommended to prioritize the use of closed systems or automated processes; if not feasible, local exhaust ventilation should be installed in open areas.
Special attention should be paid during storage: the product should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, with containers kept tightly sealed. The recommended storage temperature is below 35°C, avoiding extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. The product may solidify at low temperatures; it should be returned to room temperature before use. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents (e.g., high-concentration peroxides, hypochlorites). The packaging is typically inner-lined polyethylene paper bags or woven bags (20kg/25kg specification). If the bag is opened and not fully used, the inner bag mouth should be tightly sealed, and the stacking layer limit on the packaging should be observed.
| Parameter | Value\/Description | Safety Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to pale yellow waxy solid | Solid at room temperature, beneficial for reducing volatilization |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | >149°C | Non-flammable under normal conditions of use |
| Melting Point | 52~57°C | If melting is required during operation, control temperature to avoid burns |
| Active Content | ≥98% | High purity, low impurity content |
| pH of 5% Aqueous Solution | 5.0~7.0 | Near neutral, irritation mainly from physical contact |
| Acid Value | ≤10 mgKOH\/g | —— |
| Saponification Value | 145~160 mgKOH\/g | —— |
| Hydroxyl Value | 230~270 mgKOH\/g | —— |
| Moisture | ≤1.5% | Low moisture, but still requires moisture protection during storage |
| Total Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg\/kg | Complies with food safety requirements (E491) |
| Arsenic Content | ≤3 mg\/kg | —— |
| Chemical Stability | Stable; avoid strong acids, strong bases, and high temperatures | May hydrolyze in strong bases; store away from alkaline substances |
| GHS Skin Irritation | Category 2 (H315) | Causes skin irritation; gloves must be worn |
| GHS Eye Irritation | Category 2 (H319) | Causes serious eye irritation; goggles must be worn |
| GHS Respiratory Irritation | Category 3 (H335) | May cause respiratory irritation; ventilation and dust prevention required |
When using Span S-60 in various application fields, in addition to general safety measures, the following specific considerations should be noted:
When used as a food additive, ensure to select product batches that comply with food safety standards (food grade E491), strictly controlling heavy metals (≤10 mg\/kg) and arsenic (≤3 mg\/kg). The recommended usage should strictly follow the limits of GB 2760 and relevant food regulations to avoid excessive use.
When used as a W\/O emulsifier in creams and lotions, Span S-60 is often compounded with Tween series (e.g., Tween 60) to adjust the HLB value for optimal emulsification. The product itself is low-irritation, but skin patch testing is recommended for the final formulation to verify safety. The recommended concentration is generally 1%~5%, depending on the results of formulation stability tests.
When used as a suppository base or drug carrier, the product must meet pharmaceutical grade standards. Its melting point range is 52~57°C. During the preparation of suppositories, the melting temperature should not be too high to avoid changes in chemical structure affecting formability and sustained-release properties. The finished suppositories should be stored at temperatures below 30°C.
Dust protection is especially important in industrial operations. Solid materials may generate dust when feeding, pouring, or stirring; local exhaust ventilation must be turned on and dust masks should be worn. If heating for dissolution (in hot oil), the preheating temperature should be controlled at 60~80°C, not exceeding the flash point of 149°C. When used as an emulsifier in pesticide emulsifiable concentrate formulations, it is recommended to compound with hydrophilic emulsifiers (e.g., Tween series) to enhance emulsion stability.