Sorbitan Tristearate (Span 65) – E492 Crystal Modifier & Anti-Bloom Agent

Overview

  • Chemical Nature
    Specialized non-ionic surfactant derived from sorbitan and three stearic acid chains.
  • Appearance & Specs
    Hard, waxy solid  |  HLB Value: 2.1
  • Primary Application (Confectionery)
    Effective Crystal Modifier. Unique tristearate structure allows co-crystallization with fats. Essential for retarding fat bloom in chocolate.
  • Margarine Stability
    Stabilizes crystalline structure to prevent sandiness in margarine.
  • Key Functions
    Crystal Modifier & Anti-Bloom Agent.

Molecular Structure

  • Structural Components
    Hydrophilic Backbone: Sorbitan ring structure.
    Hydrophobic Moiety: Three stearic acid residues esterified to the ring.
  • Mechanism of Action
    High Lipophilicity. This configuration provides a predominantly lipophilic character, making it insoluble in water but dispersible in oils. The long-chain esters impart a wax-like consistency, essential for fat-crystal modification.

Specifications:

Before specifications, it is important to highlight that sorbitan tristearate is widely used in both food and non-food industries due to its multifunctional properties. Beyond basic emulsification, it serves as a fat-crystallization regulator, preventing undesirable changes in fat-based systems such as blooming in chocolate or graininess in margarine. When used together with polysorbates, it can achieve balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic values, making it suitable for both W/O and O/W emulsions.
Key quality features include:
  • Waxy solid appearance, cream to light yellow in color
  • Odorless or faint odor
  • Insoluble in water and ethanol, but dispersible in oils and fats
  • Strong stability at normal storage conditions
Test ItemUnitMinimum ValueMaximum Value
HLB value——2.1
Saponification ValuemgKOH/g178188
Iodine ValuemgKOH/g6680
Acid ValuemgKOH/g15
Moisture%1.5
Saturated Fatty Acid%8592
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid%1421
Sulfated Ash%0.5
Melting Point°C4750
Leadmg/kg2

Applications:

  • Chocolate & Confectionery: The primary application. It modifies cocoa butter crystallization to prevent “Fat Bloom” (white haze) during storage, maintaining gloss and snap.
  • Margarine & Shortening: Prevents “sandiness” (grainy texture) caused by the transition of fat crystals (from Beta-prime to Beta form) during storage.
  • Vegetable Oils: Used as an anti-crystallizer in cooking oils (like palm olein) to prevent clouding at lower temperatures.
  • Cosmetics: Functions as a waxy thickener in stick formulations (lip balms, deodorants) to provide structural integrity.
Ultimate Bloom Control

Span 65 is the most effective anti-bloom agent available. It hinders the polymorphic transformation of cocoa butter crystals, keeping chocolate glossy and bloom-free for significantly longer.

Margarine Texture Stabilizer

It stabilizes the beta-prime crystal form in margarines, preventing the formation of large, grainy crystals that cause a ‘sandy’ mouthfeel over time.

Oil Clarity (Anti-Clouding)

In liquid vegetable oils, it inhibits the nucleation of high-melting triglycerides, keeping the oil clear and free of sediment even in cooler environments.

High Melting Point Structure

With its tristearate composition, it has a high melting point, making it an excellent structure-builder for heat-stable cosmetic sticks and balms..

Perfectly glossy dark chocolate pralines with no fat bloom, demonstrating the crystal modification properties of Sorbitan Tristearate (Span 65).
Smooth, non-grainy margarine texture stabilized by Sorbitan Tristearate, preventing sandiness.
Crystal clear vegetable oil showing the anti-crystallizing and anti-clouding effect of Sorbitan Tristearate

storage & package:

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
Avoid contact with harmful or incompatible substances. Handle with care during transportation to prevent leakage or contamination.

Transportation:
Transport as a general chemical product, following standard safety and handling procedures.

Package:
Sorbitan Tristearate is packed in high-quality PE drums with double-seal lids.
Standard packaging sizes include 25kg/drum, 200kg/drum, and 1000kg IBC tote to meet different usage needs.

25 Kg /drum
200kg/drum
1000kg IBC

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