Span 60
| Formula | C24H46O6 |
| Chemical formula | C24H46O6 |
| Molar mass | 430.70 g/mol |
| CAS number | 1338-41-6 |
| HS Code | 29321900 |
| EC number | 215-664-9 |
| Storage | Store at 15 to 25 ◦C |
| SDS | available |
| Odour | odourless |
| Form | flakes |
| Color | cream – colored |
| Solubility in water | insoluble in 20 ◦C |
| Solubility in ethanol | insoluble in 20 ◦C |
| Flash point | ≥149 ◦C |
| Boiling point | ≥100 ◦C |
| Melting point | 53 ◦C |
| Vapour pressure | ≤ 1.4 hPa |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Saponification value | 147 – 157 | ||
| Hydroxyl value | 235 – 260 | ||
| Water | ≤ | 1.5 | % |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ | 0.5 | % |
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Acid value | ≤ | 10 |
Span 60 is a sorbitan monoester than is used as a non-ionic detergent.
🏭⚗️ Synthesis
Span 60 is synthesized through the esterification of sorbitol with stearic acid. The reaction typically involves dehydration of sorbitol to form sorbitan, followed by esterification with a fatty acid under controlled heat and catalytic conditions. The resulting product is primarily sorbitan monostearate, with minor amounts of sorbitan monoesters of other fatty acids such as palmitic acid.
🧪 Application
Span 60 has been used in a study to assess encapsulation of doxorubicin in niosomes as a route to tumor targeting. It has also been used in a study to investigate the use of nonionic surfactants as contrast agents for use in diagnostic ultrasounds.
Other Notes
Fatty acid composition: Stearic acid approx. 50%; balance primarily palmitic acid.
