Sorbitan tristearate is a nonionic surfactant. It is variously used as a dispersing agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer, in food and in aerosol sprays. As a food additive, it has the E number E492. Brand names for Polysorbates include Alkest, Canarcel and Span.
The consistency of sorbitan tristearate is waxy; its color is light cream to tan.
Sorbitan tristearate is a mixture of the partial esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides with stearic acid. It is produced by the esterification of sorbitol with commercial stearic acid derived from food fats and oils and consists of approximately 95% of a mixture of the esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides. Appearance: Sorbitan tristearate is a light cream to tan-colored, hard, waxy solid with a slight characteristic odor and bland taste. Solubility: The product is insoluble in cold water and dispersible in edible oils.
Read more about Sorbitan Tristearate: See Also