Sorbitan Monolaurate
Sorbitan, esters, monododecanoate.
Sorbitan monolaurate
[1338-39-2].» Sorbitan Monolaurate is a partial ester of lauric acid with Sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides. It yields, upon saponification, not less than 55.0 percent and not more than 63.0 percent of fatty acids, and not less than 39.0 percent and not more than 45.0 percent of polyols (w/w).
Packaging and storage—
Preserve in tight containers.
Identification—
A:
The residue of lauric acid obtained in the Assay for fatty acids has an acid value (see Fats 
401
) between 260 and 280, about 1 g of the residue, accurately weighed, being used, and an iodine value (see Fats and Fixed Oils 401) of not more than 5.
401) between 260 and 280, about 1 g of the residue, accurately weighed, being used, and an iodine value (see Fats and Fixed Oils 401) of not more than 5.
Acid value 401:
not more than 8.
401:
not more than 8.
Hydroxyl value 401:
between 330 and 358.
401:
between 330 and 358.
Saponification value 401:
between 158 and 170.
401:
between 158 and 170.
Water, Method I 921:
not more than 1.5%.
921:
not more than 1.5%.
Residue on ignition 281:
not more than 0.5%.
281:
not more than 0.5%.
Heavy metals, Method II 231:
not more than 0.001%.
231:
not more than 0.001%.
Assay for fatty acids—
Transfer about 10 g of Sorbitan Monolaurate, accurately weighed, to a 500-mL conical flask, cautiously add 100 mL of alcohol and 3.0 g of potassium hydroxide, and mix. Proceed as directed in the Assay for fatty acids under Sorbitan Monooleate, beginning with “Connect a suitable condenser.”
Assay for polyols—
Proceed with Sorbitan Monolaurate as directed for Assay for polyols under Sorbitan Monooleate.
Auxiliary Information—
Please check for your question in the FAQs before contacting USP.
Chromatographic Column—
| Topic/Question | Contact | Expert Committee |
| Monograph | Robert H. Lafaver, B.A.
Scientist 1-301-816-8335 |
(EM105) Excipient Monographs 1 |
| Reference Standards | Lili Wang, Technical Services Scientist 1-301-816-8129 RSTech@usp.org |
USP32–NF27 Page 1349
Chromatographic columns text is not derived from, and not part of, USP 32 or NF 27.