Sorbitan

Sorbitan is a mixture of isomeric organic compounds derived from the dehydration of sorbitol and is an intermediate in the conversion of sorbitol to isosorbide.[1] Sorbitan is primarily used in the production of surfactants such as polysorbates; which are important emulsifying agents, with a total annual demand of more than 10,000 tons in 2012.[2]

Sorbitan
Names
IUPAC name
(3S)-2-(1,2-Dihydroxyethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3,4-diol
Other names
1,4-anhydrosorbitol
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
  • none
ECHA InfoCard 100.032.415
UNII
  • C1C([C@@H](C(O1)C(CO)O)O)O
Properties
C6H12O5
Molar mass 164.16 g/mol
Appearance colourless solid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Synthesis

Sorbitan is produced by the dehydration of sorbitol and is an intermediate in the conversion of sorbitol to isosorbide. The dehydration reaction usually produces sorbitan as a mixture of five- and six-membered cyclic ethers (1,4-anhydrosorbitol, 1,5-anhydrosorbitol and 1,4,3,6-dianhydrosorbitol)[3] with the five-membered 1,4-anhydrosorbitol form being the dominant product. The rate of formation of sorbitan is typically greater than that of isosorbide, which allows it to be produced selectively, providing the reaction conditions are carefully controlled. The dehydration reaction has been shown to work even in the presence of excess water.[4]

Surfactant derivatives

Esters

Sorbitan esters (also known as Spans) are nonionic surfactants that are used as emulsifying agents in the preparation of emulsions, creams, and ointments for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use. When used alone they produce stable water-in-oil emulsions but they are frequently used with a polysorbate in varying proportions to produce water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions or creams with a variety of different textures and consistencies. Sorbitan esters are also used as emulsifiers and stabilisers in food.[5]

Polysorbate
Main article: Polysorbate

Ethoxylated sorbitan esters are known as polysorbates (trade name: Tweens). They are an important class of emulsifiers used in a variety of settings, including pharmaceuticals and food.

The general structure of polysorbate

References
  1. Rose, Marcus; Palkovits, Regina (9 January 2012). "Isosorbide as a renewable platform chemical for versatile applications--quo vadis?". ChemSusChem. 5 (1): 167–76. doi:10.1002/CSSC.201100580. ISSN 1864-5631. PMID 22213713. Wikidata Q28256587.
  2. Kobayashi, Hirokazu; Fukuoka, Atsushi (2013). "Synthesis and utilisation of sugar compounds derived from lignocellulosic biomass". Green Chemistry. 15 (7): 1740. doi:10.1039/C3GC00060E. ISSN 1463-9262. Wikidata Q105286575.
  3. Merck Index, 12th Edition, 8872
  4. Yamaguchi, Aritomo; Hiyoshi, Norihito; Sato, Osamu; Shirai, Masayuki (2011). "Sorbitol dehydration in high temperature liquid water". Green Chemistry. 13 (4): 873. doi:10.1039/C0GC00426J. ISSN 1463-9262. Wikidata Q29040373.
  5. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. The Pharmaceutical Press. 2005.
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