Molekula
Span 20
Supplying 4,500+ customers in over 80 countries
ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 certified · Supplying laboratories and industry since 2000 · Listed pack sizes are a starting point — we manufacture, source and repack to the quantity you need
Span 20 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. It enhances solubility and disperses hydrophobic ingredients in formulations. It is also used in textile fiber and fabric manufacturing, in pesticide formulations, and as an anti-static and lubricating agent. CAS 1338-39-2, molecular formula C18H34O6, molecular weight 346.46 g/mol, and requires ambient storage. No hazard classification applies. Molekula supplies Span 20 from research to bulk quantities with full documentation and ISO 9001:2015 traceability.
Example image for illustration only. Other packaging and pack sizes are available.
Pricing & pack sizes
Pack sizes & pricing
Pricing on request — packs available from research to bulk quantities.
Need a different quantity or pack?
Tell us how much you need and when — drums, IBCs, sacks or a one-off bulk lot. We'll manufacture or source it and come back with a price.
Prices exclude VAT/sales tax and shipping.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Liquid or paste |
| Water | ≤1.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.50% |
| Hydroxyl value | 330 - 358 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value (mgKOH/g) | 158 - 170 mg KOH/g |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤8.0mg KOH/g |
| Colour (1963 Gardner) | 0.0 - 7.5 |
Storage & handling
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Ambient |
| Flash Point | 149 °C |
| Acidity | Neutral |
Identification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 90033361 |
| CAS Number | 1338-39-2 |
| IUPAC Name | [(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] dodecanoate |
| EC Number | 215-663-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C18H34O6 |
| Molecular Weight | 346.46 |
| Exact Mass | 346.2355 |
| SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H]([C@@H]1[C@@H]([C@H](CO1)O)O)O |
| InChIKey | LWZFANDGMFTDAV-BURFUSLBSA-N |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C18H34O6/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-16(21)23-13-15(20)18-17(22)14(19)12-24-18/h14-15,17-20,22H,2-13H2,1H3/t14-,15+,17+,18+/m0/s1 |
| PubChem CID | 11046239 |
| REACH Code | Y113 |
| TSCA Listed | Yes |
| HTS Code | 3824.99.93.30 |
| Tariff Code | 3824999299 |
Safety & GHS
Precautionary statements
- P264 Wash thoroughly after handling
- P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
- P403+233 Store in a well ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed
Documents
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) by batch
Enter a lot or batch number to retrieve the CoA for that specific batch. We can generate one from spec data if no PDF is on file.
Synonyms
- Alkamuls SML
- Anhydrosorbitol monolaurate
- Arlacel 20
- Glycomul L
- Glycomul LC
- Laurate de sorbitan
- Sorbitan laurate
- Sorbitan monolaurate
- Sorbitan, monododecanoate
- Sorbitani lauras
Frequently asked questions
What is Span 20 used for?
Span 20 (Sorbitan monolaurate) is primarily used as a non-ionic emulsifier, wetting agent, and solubilizer in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications like lubricants and polishes.
What is the chemical formula and molecular weight of Span 20?
The chemical formula is **C₁₈H₃₄O₆**, and the molecular weight is **346.46 g/mol**.
How should Span 20 be stored?
Store Span 20 at **ambient temperature** in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances.
What grades or purity levels of Span 20 does Molekula supply?
Molekula supplies Span 20 in **technical/industrial grade** and **food-grade (E493)** purity levels, depending on application requirements.
Can Molekula supply Span 20 in bulk quantities?
Yes, Molekula can supply Span 20 in **bulk quantities** (e.g., drums, IBCs, or custom packaging) for large-scale industrial or commercial use.
What documentation comes with an order of Span 20?
Each order includes a **Certificate of Analysis (CoA)**, **Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)**, and **batch-specific documentation** for traceability.
Ready to order or need a custom pack?
Tell us the product, grade, and quantity — Molekula usually responds within one working day with pricing and lead time.