Sorbitan Monolaurate
(sor' bi tan mon'' oh lawr' ate).
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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.
USP Reference standards 11
USP Isosorbide RS Click to View Structure
USP 1,4-Sorbitan RS Click to View Structure
    C6H12O5     164.16
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.
B: It responds to Identification test B under Sorbitan Monooleate.
Acid value 401: not more than 8.
Hydroxyl value 401: between 330 and 358.
Saponification value 401: between 158 and 170.
Water, Method I 921: not more than 1.5%.
Residue on ignition 281: not more than 0.5%.
Heavy metals, Method II 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.
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USP35–NF30 Page 1963