| Synonyms | |
| Definition | A mixture of the partial esters of sorbitol and its anhydrides with edible, commercial stearic acid |
| Einecs | 215-664-9 |
| Chemical name | |
| Chemical formula | |
| Molecular weight | |
| Assay | Content not less than 95 % of a mixture of sorbitol, sorbitan, and isosorbide esters |
| Description | Light, cream- to tan-coloured beads or flakes or a hard, waxy solid with a slight characteristic odour |
| Identification | |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble at temperatures above its melting point in toluene, dioxane, carbon tetrachloride, ether, methanol, ethanol and aniline; insoluble in petroleum ether and acetone; insoluble in cold water but dispersible in warm water; soluble with haze at temperatures above 50 °C in mineral oil and ethyl acetate |
| [F1Identification test | By acid value, iodine value (not more than 4), gas chromatography] |
| Infrared absorption spectrum | Characteristic of a partial fatty acid ester of a polyol |
| Purity | |
| Water content | Not more than 2 % (Karl Fischer method) |
| Sulphated ash | Not more than 0,5 % |
| Acid value | Not more than 10 |
| Saponification value | Not less than 147 and not more than 157 |
| Hydroxyl value | Not less than 235 and not more than 260 |
| Arsenic | Not more than 3 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 2 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
| Cadmium | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
Textual Amendments
F1Substituted by Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1462 of 28 September 2018 amending the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 laying down specifications for food additives listed in Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards specifications for certain sorbitan esters (E 491 Sorbitan monostearate, E 492 Sorbitan tristearate and E 495 Sorbitan monopalmitate) (Text with EEA relevance).