Sorbitan Monolaurate from TCI is a nonionic surfactant made by esterifying sorbitol with lauric acid. It belongs to the sorbitan ester family and is widely sold under the trade name Span 20. In the laboratory it works as an emulsifier, dispersant and wetting agent. Researchers use it mainly to stabilize mixtures of oil and water phases. In materials science, Sorbitan Monolaurate is classed as a polymer additive because it helps control surface properties and improves how well the components of a formulation mix with each other.
Researchers choose this material for its amphiphilic structure. The sorbitan group carries many hydroxyl groups, which make it hydrophilic. The fairly short laurate chain provides the lipophilic side. Monolaurate tends to be slightly more hydrophilic than sorbitan esters with longer chains, so it is often used as a balancing component in mixed emulsifier systems. Because it is nonionic, it is relatively insensitive to changes in ionic strength. It also carries no charge that could interfere with electrostatic interactions in the system. TCI reagent quality helps keep experimental results consistent from one lot to the next.
In Indonesian laboratories, Sorbitan Monolaurate is commonly used in university research groups, polymer and materials science labs, and formulation development teams. It is a practical choice for preparing emulsions, dispersing particles in polymer matrices, and studying interfacial behavior in multiphase systems. Because it comes from a recognized reagent brand like TCI, research teams can rely on it for reproducible work, whether in teaching, academic research projects, or industrial product development.
TCI brochures (PDF)
- Polymer Additives 2026-04-16 · p. 12
Related TCI products
- TCI T0543 9005-64-5 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate
- TCI P0872 9004-81-3 Polyethylene Glycol Monolaurate (n=approx. 10)
- TCI T0547 9005-70-3 Tween 85 (=Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Trioleate)
- TCI T0546 9005-65-6 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate
- TCI T0545 9005-67-8 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monostearate
- TCI T0544 9005-66-7 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monopalmitate
- Emulsion preparation: its amphiphilic structure lets it sit at the oil-water interface and stabilize mixed phases, so it suits laboratory-scale emulsion studies and formulation trials.
- Mixed emulsifier systems: it is slightly more hydrophilic than longer-chain sorbitan esters, so researchers often use it as a balancing component when adjusting the overall character of a surfactant blend.
- Polymer additive research: as a polymer additive, it helps control surface properties and improves compatibility between components in polymer formulations and composite materials.
- Dispersion of particles and fillers: it works as a dispersant and wetting agent, helping solid particles spread evenly within liquid or polymer media during materials preparation.
- Systems sensitive to ionic strength: because it is nonionic, it tolerates changes in ionic strength and adds no charge that could disturb electrostatic interactions in experiments.
| Brand | TCI (product code S0059) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 1338-39-2 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Materials Science > Polymer/Macromolecule Reagents > Polymer Additives |
| Pack sizes | available in the pack sizes TCI supplies; please ask AMI Scientific for current options |
| Physical form | — |
| Storage | keep in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place |
- Common name: Sorbitan Monolaurate (Span 20)
Store Sorbitan Monolaurate in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and strong oxidizing agents. Close the container promptly after each use to limit exposure to moisture and air. Use clean, dry glass or compatible plastic tools when dispensing so the reagent stays uncontaminated. Follow standard laboratory practice: wear safety glasses, gloves and a lab coat, avoid contact with eyes and skin, and do not eat or drink in the work area. Always check the TCI Safety Data Sheet for specific hazard and disposal information before use.
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