Sorbitan monolaurate also known as sorbitan laurate is synthesized by the esterification of sorbitan with lauric acid. It has a molecular formula of C18H34O6 . At room temperature it is a yellow to amber viscous liquid or soft paste. It has an HLB value of 8.6, it is a W/O emulsifier. As food additives, sorbitan monolaurate can be used as emulsifier and defoaming agent; in pharmaceutical and cosmetics formulations, it acts as emulsifier; and it acts as emulsifier and wetting agent in textile industry.