Span 85, also known as Sorbitan Trioleate, is a sorbitan ester carrying three oleate groups per molecule, which makes it one of the most lipophilic members of the Span family. This TCI product is a nonionic surfactant used in the laboratory as a water-in-oil emulsifier, a dispersant and a wetting agent in nonpolar media. In the Polymer Additives category, Span 85 is used to modify interfaces and improve dispersion in oil-based systems and hydrophobic polymer formulations, so it is a practical reagent for formulation and materials research.
Researchers choose Span 85 mainly for its strong affinity for oils. Each molecule has only a few free hydroxyl groups and three long oleate chains, so it dissolves readily in oils and nonpolar solvents. This makes it well suited to systems that are almost entirely oil, where more hydrophilic surfactants work poorly. It is usually a liquid, so it blends easily into formulations without melting first. It is also well established in pharmaceutical aerosol and inhaler research as a surfactant that disperses drug particles. Like other sorbitan esters, it can be paired with polysorbates to adjust the balance of an emulsifier system.
In Indonesian laboratories, Span 85 is relevant to pharmaceutical research on inhalation and topical dosage forms, and to chemical engineering work on emulsion systems. University research groups, formulation laboratories and industrial R&D teams can use it to study water-in-oil emulsions, prepare stable dispersions in nonpolar carriers, or test how emulsifier blends behave. Its role as a strongly lipophilic, nonionic reference surfactant also makes it useful for teaching and comparative formulation studies.
Related TCI products
- 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
- TCI T0543 9005-64-5 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate
- TCI S0063 8007-43-0 Sorbitan Sesquioleate
- Water-in-oil emulsion preparation: its strong lipophilic character and three oleate chains let it stabilize water droplets dispersed in a continuous oil phase.
- Pharmaceutical aerosol and inhaler research: Span 85 is known as a surfactant that helps disperse drug particles, which supports studies of inhalation dosage forms.
- Dispersion in hydrophobic polymer systems: as a polymer additive it modifies interfaces and helps disperse components within oil-based or hydrophobic polymer matrices.
- Wetting agent in nonpolar media: it dissolves readily in oils and nonpolar solvents, so it can improve the wetting of particles and surfaces in largely oil-based systems.
- Emulsifier blend optimization: it can be combined with polysorbates to adjust the balance of the system, so formulators can fine-tune emulsion behavior for topical and engineering studies.
| Brand | TCI (product code S0064) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 26266-58-0 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Materials Science > Polymer/Macromolecule Reagents > Polymer Additives |
| Pack sizes | available in TCI's standard pack sizes; please confirm current options with our sales team |
| Physical form | generally a liquid |
| Storage | keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place and follow the TCI label and Safety Data Sheet |
Store Span 85 in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and strong oxidizing agents. Glass or chemically compatible plastic containers with secure closures are suitable for any portions you transfer. Because it is an oleate ester with unsaturated chains, limit its exposure to air and close containers promptly after use. Wear standard laboratory protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses and a lab coat, when handling it. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wipe up spills promptly because they can make surfaces slippery, and check the TCI Safety Data Sheet for complete hazard and disposal information before use.
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