Sorbitan Mono Palmitate (SMP)

Overview

Sorbitan Mono Palmitate (SMP), commonly known by its acronym SMP or trade names like Span 40, is a versatile non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and palmitic acid. This lipophilic compound, characterized by its low HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) value of approximately 6.7, is particularly effective at stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. Its unique chemical structure, featuring both hydrophilic (sugar-based) and lipophilic (fatty acid) portions, enables it to significantly reduce interfacial tension between immiscible liquid phases, thereby preventing separation and ensuring product uniformity. CanCastor’s Sorbitan Mono Palmitate is a premium-grade ingredient, trusted globally across a myriad of industries for its exceptional performance and consistent quality.

Key Properties

Sorbitan Mono Palmitate (SMP) presents a range of crucial physical and chemical properties that make it an invaluable component in diverse formulations:

• Chemical Name: Sorbitan Monopalmitate
• Synonyms: Span 40, Sorbitan palmitate
• CAS No.: 26266-57-9
• EINECS No.: 247-567-7
• Appearance: Typically presents as a cream to yellowish waxy solid, flakes, or powder.
• HLB Value: Approximately 6.7, indicating its lipophilic nature and preference for oil phases, making it ideal for W/O emulsions.
• Solubility: Soluble in oil and organic solvents; dispersible in warm water.
• Functionality: Acts as an emulsifier, stabilizer, dispersant, wetting agent, and can possess anti-foaming properties in certain contexts.
• Nature: As a non-ionic surfactant, SMP is known for its mildness, stability across a broad pH range, and compatibility with other ingredients.
• Safety: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for approved applications, especially in food and pharmaceuticals.

Applications

The broad utility of Sorbitan Mono Palmitate (SMP) spans across numerous sectors due to its effective emulsifying and stabilizing capabilities:

Food Industry

• Baked Goods: Improves dough workability, enhances crumb texture, and contributes to extended shelf life by delaying staling.
• Confectionery: Prevents sugar crystallization in chocolates and candies, improves texture, and helps control fat bloom.
• Dairy Alternatives: Stabilizes plant-based milks, creams, and spreads, ensuring smooth texture and preventing phase separation.
• Margarines & Spreads: Functions as a primary W/O emulsifier, improving spreadability, reducing spattering during cooking, and preventing water separation.

Cosmetic & Personal Care

• Creams & Lotions: Forms stable W/O emulsions for rich, nourishing creams, improving texture and skin feel.
• Makeup: Acts as a pigment dispersant in foundations, lipsticks, and other cosmetics, ensuring even application and color distribution.
• Hair Care: Utilized in conditioners and treatments for its emollient and hair conditioning properties.
• Sunscreens: Helps disperse UV filters, improves the water resistance of formulations, and enhances product stability.

Pharmaceutical Industry

• Topical Formulations: Serves as an emulsifier in ointments, creams, and lotions, facilitating the uniform dispersion of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Oral Suspensions: Acts as a stabilizing agent to maintain homogeneity of active compounds.
• Suppositories: Can be incorporated as a base component or a co-emulsifier.

Industrial Applications

• Textiles: Used as a lubricant and antistatic agent in textile processing.
• Plastics: Functions as an antifogging agent and lubricant in certain plastic formulations.
• Coatings & Paints: Improves pigment dispersion and acts as a wetting agent, enhancing the uniformity and stability of coatings.

Why Choose CanCastor

At CanCastor, we are committed to providing superior chemical solutions that empower your formulations. When you choose our Sorbitan Mono Palmitate (SMP), you benefit from:

• Premium Quality & Consistency: Our SMP is manufactured under stringent quality control, ensuring high purity and consistent performance with every batch.
• Global Supply Chain: With robust logistics and a worldwide network, we guarantee reliable and timely delivery of our products wherever you are.
• Technical Expertise & Support: Our team of experts provides comprehensive technical assistance, offering formulation guidance and insights to optimize your applications.
• Custom Solutions: We understand that specific needs require tailored approaches. CanCastor offers the flexibility to develop customized product solutions to meet your unique requirements.
• Commitment to Sustainability: We prioritize responsible sourcing and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes, contributing to a greener future.
• Regulatory Compliance: Our products adhere to the highest international standards and regulatory frameworks, including FCC, USP, EP, and other relevant food and pharmaceutical guidelines, ensuring peace of mind for your applications.

Partner with CanCastor for your Sorbitan Mono Palmitate needs and elevate the performance and stability of your products.