POLYOXYETHYLENE (20) SORBITAN MONOLAURATE
Prepared at the 17th JECFA (1973), published in FNP 4 (1978) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 55th JECFA
(2000). An ADI of 0-25 mg/kg bw was established at the 17th JECFA (1973).
SYNONYMS Polysorbate 20; INS No. 432
DEFINITION Consists of a mixture of the partial esters of sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides (which have an acid value below 7 and a water content below 0.2%) with edible commercial lauric acid and condensed with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of sorbitol and its anhydrides.
Assay Not less than 70.0 and not more than 74.0% of oxyethylene groups, equivalent to not less than 97.3 and not more than 103.0% of polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate calculated on the anhydrous basis
DESCRIPTION Lemon to amber coloured oily liquid at 25o, with a faint characteristic odour
FUNCTIONAL USES Emulsifier, dispersing agent
