Span S-85, manufactured by Guoli Chemical (CAS No.: 26266-58-0), appears as an amber to brownish-yellow viscous oily liquid and belongs to the nonionic surfactant category. Its molecular structure, consisting of a sorbitan ring combined with three long-chain unsaturated oleate esters, imparts strong lipophilic characteristics. It is insoluble in water but can be dispersed, and it is readily soluble in various oils, mineral oils, and organic solvents. This solubility property makes it specifically designed for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifying systems.
As the most lipophilic member of the sorbitan ester series, Span S-85's ultra-low HLB value enables it to significantly reduce oil-water interfacial tension, forming a stable interfacial film in W/O emulsions, microemulsions, and cream systems. This imparts a fine texture and long-term stability to products. Additionally, its excellent wetting and dispersing capabilities efficiently disperse pigments, solid particles, and active ingredients, preventing agglomeration and sedimentation. The product also features low foaming characteristics, making it suitable for applications requiring defoaming or low-foam processes.
The product has good chemical inertness, is resistant to acids, bases (except strong alkalis), and hard water, maintaining activity over a wide range of environmental conditions. It is compatible with various natural and synthetic oils, waxes, and active ingredients. According to GHS classification, this product is not a hazardous chemical and has no special hazard statements. Its flash point is above 200°C (open cup), it is stable during storage at room temperature, and has high operational safety. It is widely used in multiple industrial fields such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles, metalworking, petroleum extraction, paints and inks.
| Parameter Item | Specification Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Sorbitan Trioleate |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Appearance (25°C) | Amber to brownish-yellow viscous oily liquid |
| HLB Value | 1.8 |
| Effective Content | ≥98% |
| Acid Value | ≤15 mgKOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 165~185 mgKOH/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 50~80 mgKOH/g |
| Iodine Value | 75~85 gI₂/100g |
| Moisture | ≤1.5% |
| Density (25°C) | 0.95~1.00 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | 200~500 mm²/s |
| Flash Point (Open Cup) | ＞200°C |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in oil, dispersible in water |
| Foaming Property | Low foaming |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Packaging Specifications | 50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / IBC tote |
Note: The above technical parameters are from Guoli Chemical's product database.
Span S-85, as an efficient W/O emulsifier, is recommended for the following typical scenarios:
Span S-85 is a low-foaming surfactant that is not resistant to strong alkalis. Avoid compounding with high concentrations of strong alkaline substances in the formulation. During operation, it is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and wear chemical protective gloves and safety goggles, avoiding prolonged or repeated skin contact. During storage, keep the container tightly sealed and store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and strong oxidizers. The water hazard class is WGK 1. Do not discharge directly into water bodies or the environment without treatment. If compounding with other surfactants to adjust the HLB value, it is recommended to conduct compatibility tests in advance to confirm system stability.