Overview
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Chemical IdentitySorbitan Trioleate (S-85), CAS 26266-58-0, Span 85, is a highly lipophilic nonionic surfactant consisting of partial esters of sorbitol-derived polyols with oleic acid.
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Appearance & PropertiesYellow to amber viscous oily liquid | Typical HLB: 1.8
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★ Primary Application — Oil-Rich FormulationsUltra-Low HLB Emulsification & Dispersion. Sorbitan Trioleate is suitable for evaluation as a water-in-oil emulsifier and oil-phase dispersing agent in selected industrial and personal care formulations. Its strongly lipophilic character supports compatibility with many oil-rich systems.
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Solubility & HandlingInsoluble in water and compatible with many vegetable oils, mineral oils and selected organic solvents. Its viscous liquid form supports convenient incorporation into suitable oil-based formulations.
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Key FunctionsWater-in-Oil Emulsification, Pigment Wetting, Oil-Phase Dispersion & Interfacial Stabilization.
KOSHER CERTIFICATION
HALAL CERTIFICATION
Quality Certified
ISO 9001
Molecular Structure
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Structural Components● Polar Backbone: Sorbitol-derived and anhydrosorbitol-derived structures containing residual hydroxyl groups.● Hydrophobic Chains: Three oleic acid-derived C18:1 chains in the representative triester structure, providing strong affinity for oil phases.● Commercial Composition: A mixture of related partial esters rather than a single chemically pure molecular species.
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★ Mechanism of ActionStrong Oil-Phase Affinity. The oleate-rich structure interacts with oils and hydrophobic materials, while remaining polar groups provide limited interfacial activity. This balance contributes to its low HLB value and supports its use as a W/O emulsifier and dispersing agent in compatible formulations.
Structural Note: The molecular illustration represents a typical sorbitan trioleate structure. Commercial S-85 is a mixture of related partial esters.
Specifications
Product Characteristics
Sorbitan Trioleate (S-85) is a highly lipophilic, nonionic surfactant with a typical HLB value of 1.8. Supplied as a yellow to amber viscous liquid, it is commonly evaluated in oil-rich formulations, water-in-oil emulsions and pigment-dispersion systems. Its oleate-rich composition provides compatibility with many hydrophobic ingredients.
Technical Specification Reference
The parameters below are intended for preliminary technical evaluation. Confirm final specifications, analytical methods, regulatory suitability and batch-specific results against the supplier’s Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) and applicable product-grade requirements.
| Test Item | Unit | Minimum Value | Maximum Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLB value | —— | 1.8 | |
| Saponification Value | mgKOH/g | 165 | 180 |
| Hydroxyl Value | mgKOH/g | 60 | 80 |
| Acid Value | mgKOH/g | — | 15 |
| Moisture | % | — | 1.5 |
Applications
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Cosmetics & Personal CareUsed as a lipophilic emulsifying and dispersing ingredient in selected creams, lotions, makeup products and oil-rich personal care formulations. Its low HLB value makes it suitable for evaluation in water-in-oil systems.
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Pigment & Colorant DispersionCan assist the wetting and dispersion of compatible pigments and solid particles in oil-based formulations, including selected color cosmetics and industrial color concentrates. Dispersion quality depends on the pigment surface, carrier oil and mixing process.
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Industrial Water-in-Oil EmulsionsMay function as an emulsifying component in selected industrial W/O systems where a highly lipophilic nonionic surfactant is required. Final stability should be established under the intended operating temperature, shear conditions and formulation composition.
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Lubricants & Metalworking FormulationsCan be evaluated as a surface-active ingredient in selected lubricating and metalworking systems to support ingredient compatibility, wetting and dispersion. Lubrication and corrosion performance must be verified through application-specific testing.
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Emulsifier Blends & HLB AdjustmentCan be combined with compatible emulsifiers of different HLB values to adjust interfacial behavior and optimize selected emulsions. The required ratio depends on the oil phase, water content and processing conditions.
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★ Grade & Regulatory ConsiderationsVerify the Intended Grade. Suitability for cosmetic, industrial, pharmaceutical or food-related applications depends on the supplied grade, purity specifications and applicable regulations. Product identity or INS listing alone does not establish authorization for a particular end use.
Ultra-Low HLB (1.8)
With one of the lowest HLB values available, Span 85 is the ultimate choice for systems that are predominantly oil. It stabilizes inverse emulsions that other surfactants cannot handle.
Superior Pigment Wetting
Its trioleate structure allows it to thoroughly coat solid particles (like pigments or minerals), preventing them from clumping and ensuring a smooth, uniform dispersion in oil bases.
High Lubricity
Featuring three oleic acid tails, it offers exceptional lubricity and friction reduction, making it valuable in metalworking fluids and textile spinning lubricants.
Inverse Emulsion Stability
Critical for the explosives industry, it creates a robust barrier around water droplets within an oil phase, preventing premature coalescence even during long storage.
Storage & Package
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Storage ConditionsStore Sorbitan Trioleate (S-85) in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and incompatible materials. Keep containers tightly sealed to minimize moisture exposure, oxidation, and contamination. Avoid prolonged exposure to unsuitable storage temperatures that may affect the product’s physical properties or quality.
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TransportationTransport in securely sealed, chemical-compatible containers to prevent leakage, contamination, or packaging damage. Follow standard chemical handling procedures and verify the shipping classification against the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and applicable transport regulations.
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Standard PackagingSorbitan Trioleate (S-85) is supplied in securely sealed, chemical-compatible containers suitable for viscous liquid surfactants. Depending on product grade and supplier availability, packaging options may include:
- 25 kg — PE Drum
- 200 kg — Drum
- 1000 kg — IBC Tote
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★ Packaging & Shipping InformationConfirm Before Ordering. Packaging availability, net weight, storage recommendations, and shipping requirements may vary by supplier and product grade. Please contact us for current packaging options, Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and shipment details.
25 Kg /drum
200kg/drum
