Overview
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Chemical IdentitySorbitan Tristearate (E492 / INS 492), CAS 26658-19-5, Span 65. A highly lipophilic, nonionic food emulsifier produced from sorbitol-derived polyols and edible stearic acid.
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Appearance & PropertiesLight cream to tan beads, flakes or hard waxy solid | Typical HLB: 2.1
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★ Primary Application (Chocolate & Fat Systems)Fat Crystallization Modification & Emulsification. Sorbitan Tristearate is used in selected chocolate, confectionery and fat-containing food formulations to influence fat crystallization and interfacial behavior. Under suitable processing and storage conditions, it may help reduce the development of fat bloom in chocolate products.
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Solubility & HandlingInsoluble in water and dispersible in selected oils and organic media. Its waxy physical form and congealing range of approximately 47–50°C should be considered when selecting processing temperatures and mixing conditions.
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Key FunctionsFat Crystallization Modification, Lipophilic Emulsification, Co-Emulsification & Fat-Phase Structuring.
KOSHER CERTIFICATION
HALAL CERTIFICATION
Quality Certified
ISO 9001
Molecular Structure
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Structural Components● Hydrophilic Backbone: Sorbitol-derived and anhydrosorbitol-derived structures containing residual hydroxyl groups that provide limited polar character.● Hydrophobic Moiety: Multiple stearic acid-derived C18 saturated fatty acid chains connected through ester linkages, creating strong affinity for fat and oil phases.● Commercial Composition: A mixture of related partial esters rather than a single pure molecular species.
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★ Mechanism of ActionHighly Lipophilic Interfacial Activity. The stearate-rich structure provides strong compatibility with fat phases and limited affinity for water. Sorbitan Tristearate can act as a low-HLB emulsifier and influence fat crystallization in selected formulations. Its effectiveness depends on fat composition, dosage, temperature history and processing conditions.
Structural Note: The illustration shows a representative tristearate structure. Commercial E492 contains a mixture of partial esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides with edible stearic acid.
Specifications
Product Characteristics
Sorbitan Tristearate (E492) is a highly lipophilic, nonionic food emulsifier with a typical HLB value of approximately 2.1. It is generally supplied as cream-to-tan beads, flakes or a hard waxy solid. Its low-HLB character makes it suitable for evaluation in selected fat-continuous emulsions, chocolate formulations and emulsifier blends where fat-phase compatibility is important.
Specification Reference
The technical parameters below are provided for preliminary evaluation. Final product specifications, analytical methods and batch-specific results should be confirmed against the manufacturer’s Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) and applicable food additive purity requirements.
| Test Item | Unit | Minimum Value | Maximum Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLB value | —— | 2.1 | |
| Saponification Value | mgKOH/g | 178 | 188 |
| Hydroxyl Value | mgKOH/g | 66 | 80 |
| Acid Value | mgKOH/g | — | 15 |
| Moisture | % | — | 1.5 |
| Saturated Fatty Acid | % | 85 | 92 |
| Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid | % | 14 | 21 |
| Sulfated Ash | % | — | 0.5 |
| Melting Point | °C | 47 | 50 |
| Lead | mg/kg | — | 2 |
Applications
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Chocolate & Cocoa-Based ConfectionerySorbitan Tristearate is used in selected chocolate and cocoa-based confectionery formulations to modify fat crystallization behavior. Under suitable formulation and storage conditions, it may help reduce fat bloom and support a more consistent surface appearance. Performance should be verified through product-specific trials.
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Margarine, Shortenings & Fat SpreadsCan be evaluated in permitted margarine, shortening and fat-spread formulations where fat crystal structure and interfacial properties influence texture and processing performance. Its effect depends on the fat blend and manufacturing conditions.
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Fat-Based Coatings & FillingsMay contribute to emulsifier systems used in selected fat-based confectionery coatings and fillings. It can influence fat-phase behavior, while final viscosity, texture and storage stability must be evaluated in the complete formulation.
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Bakery & Cream-Based SystemsMay be incorporated into permitted bakery emulsifier blends, cream analogues and selected fat-containing bakery ingredients. Functional results depend on the complete emulsifier system, fat composition and processing conditions.
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Low-HLB Emulsifier BlendsWith a typical HLB of 2.1, Sorbitan Tristearate can be combined with compatible hydrophilic emulsifiers to adjust the overall HLB and interfacial properties of selected fat-rich formulations.
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★ Food Regulatory & Formulation ConsiderationsE492 / INS 492. Sorbitan Tristearate is listed in international food additive specifications. Permitted food categories, maximum use levels and purity requirements vary by country or region. Manufacturers should verify the applicable regulations and supplier documentation before commercial use.
Fat Crystallization Modifier
Helps influence fat crystallization behavior in selected chocolate and fat-based formulations. Performance depends on the fat composition and processing conditions.
Chocolate Fat-Bloom Control
Can help reduce fat-bloom development in suitable chocolate formulations when combined with appropriate tempering and storage conditions.
Highly Lipophilic (HLB 2.1)
Its very low HLB value supports compatibility with fat-rich systems and selected water-in-oil emulsifier blends.
Fat-Phase Compatibility
Stearic acid-derived chains provide strong affinity for fats and oils, supporting its use in selected confectionery and fat-containing food applications.
Storage & Package
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Storage ConditionsStore Sorbitan Tristearate (E492 / Span 65) in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and excessive heat. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination. Avoid prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures that may cause softening, caking, or changes in the product’s physical form.
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TransportationTransport in securely sealed, moisture-resistant packaging to protect the product from contamination, excessive heat, and physical damage. Follow standard chemical handling procedures and verify transport classification against the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and applicable shipping regulations.
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Standard PackagingSorbitan Tristearate (E492 / Span 65) is supplied in sealed, chemical-compatible packaging suitable for solid or waxy materials. Packaging formats may include PE-lined bags, cartons, or suitable drums, depending on product grade and supplier availability.Please confirm the available net weights and packaging formats before ordering.
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★ Packaging & Shipping InformationConfirm Before Ordering. Packaging type, net weight, storage recommendations, and shipping requirements may vary by supplier and product grade. Contact us for current packaging options, Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and shipment details.
25 Kg /drum
200kg/drum
