Non Alkoxylates 

Sorbitan Esters

Chemistry: We obtain sorbitan esters through the reaction of fatty acids with sorbitol during which internal ether formation as well as esterification occurs. 

The internal ether formation leads to a cyclic monoanhydro sorbitol named sorbitan; minor amounts of a dicyclic derivative, named isosorbide are present.

Any of the free hydroxyl groups on the sorbitan structure could react with the fatty acid, so the final product is a complex mixture of various esters. The composition of the mixture could be modulated through the careful control of the fatty acid/sorbitol molar ratio and of the process conditions. We have developed both mono- and tri-esters. 

Applications: Our sorbitan esters are very well known as excellent w/o emulsifiers often in combination with their ethoxylated counterpart; therefore they find applications both in consumer products and in many different industrial sectors. Another important application is as lubricants in textile spin finish. 

Being both fatty acids and sorbitol renewable raw materials, sorbitan ester have Natural Origin Index =1 according to ISO 16128. 

Some of our sorbitan esters comply with the requirements of European Pharmacopoeia 8.0 edition.