Sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20, CAS 1338-39-2) is an organic substance with the chemical formula of C18H34O6. It is an amber oily liquid that can be miscible with organic solvents and oils and form a semi emulsion solution in water. Sorbitol was synthesized from sorbitol by dehydration and closed loop reaction, and then esterified with lauric acid. It is mainly used in cosmetics, medicine and textile industry as water in oil emulsifier, wetting agent and mechanical lubricant. Nonionic surfactant, used as emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, lubricant, softener, antistatic agent, dispersant, cosolvent, antirust agent, finishing agent and spinning assistant, etc.
Physicochemical properties
Appearance and property: transparent colorless liquid
Density: 1.032 g/mL at 25 ° C (lit.)
Boiling point: 516.1 º C at 760mmHg
Refractive index: n20/D 1.474 (lit.)
Application
Usedas emulsifier, lubricant, wetting agent, dispersant, thickener, etc.