Study of non-ionic surfactants of the “Sorbitan Ester/Sorbitol” type


Polysorbates (Sorbitan Esters) are fatty acid esters of polyoxyethylene sorbitan (ethoxylated derivative of sorbitan). They are widely used as surfactants, emulsifiers, dispersing agents… in various fields such as the textile industry, detergents, paints, cosmetics and food additives…


The distribution of ethoxylated units (distribution) and hydrophobic units is to be directly linked with the surfactant properties and their analysis is possible by UPLC/TOF-MS.

PERKIN ELMER ALTUS A30 – AXION 2 TOF
Distribution: The study of different surfactants has made it possible to update examples of distributions:



Analysis of an “Ethoxylated Sorbitan Oleate” [9005-65-6]


  • PEG from n=12 to n=18 (Reaction by-product)
  • Sorbitan MonOleate w+x+y+z = 18 to 29
  • Sorbitan DiOleate w+x+y+z = 18 to 29

Distribution d'un surfactant Polysorbate
Répartition des motifs hexaoleate de sorbitol ethoylé





Analysis of an “Ethoxylated Sorbitol Ester” [NA]



  • Ethoxylated units ranging from n=2 to n=15 and centered on n=7
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