Szorbitánészterek

Szorbitánészterek, commonly known as Spans, are a group of non-ionic surfactants derived from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, and fatty acids. They are produced by esterifying sorbitol with various fatty acids, such as lauric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. The resulting compounds are characterized by a hydrophilic sorbitan head group and a lipophilic fatty acid tail, making them amphiphilic.

These properties allow szorbitánészterek to act as emulsifiers, dispersants, and wetting agents. Their HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) values can vary depending on the length and type of the fatty acid chain, enabling their use in a wide range of applications. Lower HLB values indicate more lipophilic character, suitable for water-in-oil emulsions, while higher HLB values suggest more hydrophilic character, useful for oil-in-water emulsions.

Szorbitánészterek find extensive use in the food industry as emulsifiers in products like baked goods, ice cream, and margarine, improving texture and stability. In cosmetics and personal care products, they function as emulsifiers in creams and lotions, and as emollients. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes them in topical formulations and drug delivery systems. Additionally, they are employed in textiles, paints, and agricultural chemicals for their dispersing and wetting capabilities. They are generally considered safe for consumption and use in personal care products.