Chemical Properties
Sorbitan monostearate has a bland odor and taste. It is a mixture of partial stearic and palmitic acid esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides. For additional details of description, refer to Burdock (1997).
Uses
Glycomul(R) S KFG (Span 60) is used as emulsifier for baked goods, icings & filings and whipped toppings. It is also used as a rehydration aid (production of active dry yeast) and as synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants.
It has only a very faint, oily-waxy odor,
and a bitter taste in concentrations higher
than 1000 ppm. However, its insolubility in
water, and the fact that it is used mostly with
large amounts of sugar (and acid) account for
the much higher use level without any serious
influence upon the flavor of the finished
product.
Food additive
Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60) is a lipophilic emulsifier that is a sorbitan fatty acid ester, being a sorbitol-derived analog of glycerol monostearate. It is a nonionic, oil-dispersible surface-active agent. It is used as a gloss enhancer in chocolate coatings; as a dispersant aid in coffee whiteners; to increase volume in cakes and icings; and often in combination with polysorbates. Typical usage level ranges from 0.30 to 0.70%.
Preparation
Prepared by reacting edible commercial stearic acid (usually containing associated fatty acids, chiefly palmitic) with sorbitol.
Definition
ChEBI: Sorbitan monostearate is a fatty acid ester.
General Description
Span 60 is a sorbitan monoester than is used as a non-ionic detergent.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Safety Profile
Very mildly toxic by ingestion. Experimental reproductive effects. A skin irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
