Sorbitan monooleate (Span 80)

• BPSorbitan Oleate
• Ph. Eur.Sorbitan Oleate
• USP–NFSorbitan Monooleate

Sorbitan oleate; sorbitani oleas; Span 80; Arlacel 80; Crill 4; E494

Sorbitan mono-(9Z)-octadecenoate (partial esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides with oleic acid) · [1338-43-8]

UNII 06XEA2VD56 · PubChem CID 9920342

C24H44O6 · 428.6

Surfactant, emulsifier

Typical concentrations: 1–15% · Dosage forms: Semi-solid

A lipophilic nonionic surfactant widely used as a water-in-oil emulsifier and as a co-emulsifier with polysorbates (particularly polysorbate 80) in oil-in-water creams, lotions and ointments, and as a dispersing and wetting agent in oral and other preparations. It is also used to prepare microemulsions, niosomes and other lipid-based delivery systems. Typical concentrations: emulsifier used alone in water-in-oil emulsions 1–15%; in combination with hydrophilic emulsifiers in oil-in-water emulsions 1–10%; to increase the water-holding capacity of ointments 1–10%; solubiliser for poorly soluble actives in lipophilic bases 1–10%; wetting agent for insoluble actives in lipophilic bases 0.1–3%.

A yellow to amber, viscous oily liquid with a characteristic odour and a bland taste. It is a mixture of esters of oleic acid (with smaller amounts of other fatty acids) with sorbitol anhydrides.

HLB

4.3

Physical form

viscous liquid at room temperature

Solubility

insoluble but dispersible in water; soluble in most mineral and vegetable oils; slightly soluble in ether

Density

about 1.0 g/cm³

As for other sorbitan esters, soap formation occurs gradually with strong acids or bases, and the unsaturated oleate chain can undergo slow oxidation. Store in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place, protected from light.

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents. Like other nonionic surfactants, it may reduce the activity of some preservatives such as parabens.

Prepared by dehydration of sorbitol to sorbitan followed by esterification with oleic acid, or by direct reaction of sorbitol with oleic acid at high temperature in the presence of a catalyst.

Sorbitan esters are widely used in cosmetics, foods and oral and topical pharmaceuticals and are generally regarded as non-toxic and non-irritant, although hypersensitivity skin reactions have occasionally been reported after topical use.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled. Eye protection and gloves are recommended.

Accepted as a food additive in Europe (E494). Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (oral and topical preparations, among others) and in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe.

Polysorbate 80; sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20); sorbitan monostearate (Span 60); sorbitan trioleate; sorbitan sesquioleate.

The Span 80 and polysorbate 80 pair is one of the most common emulsifier systems: mixing them in different ratios gives HLB values between about 4.3 and 15, so the blend can be matched to the required HLB of the oil phase.