Sorbitan Mono Tofate
Sorbitan Mono Tofate (SMT), also known as Sorbitan Monotallate, is a non-ionic sorbitan ester. It is a low-HLB emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersant, particularly suited to oil-based systems and water-in-oil emulsions.
With an HLB of approximately 4.6, SMT is similar in function to Sorbitan Monooleate (SMO), but its TOFA-derived fatty acid profile gives it a broader tall-oil-based composition. It is suitable for formulations requiring oil compatibility, W/O emulsification, wetting and dispersion performance.
SMT is typically used across industrial and technical applications including lubricants, metalworking fluids, emulsion systems, textiles, coatings and speciality process chemicals.
Product Information
Chemical name: Sorbitan Mono Tallate
Abbreviation: SMT
Type: Non-ionic surfactant / low-HLB emulsifier
HLB: 4.6
Emulsion type: Primarily water-in-oil (W/O)
Appearance: Amber to brown viscous liquid, depending on grade and specification
Solubility: Oil-soluble and generally insoluble in water
Packaging: Drums / IBC / Bulk
Main functions
Water-in-oil emulsification
Supports the formation and stabilisation of W/O emulsions
Co-emulsification
Can be used alongside higher-HLB surfactants to adjust emulsifier balance
Wetting and dispersion
Helps disperse oils, pigments, fillers and other formulation components
Oil compatibility
Compatible with mineral oils, vegetable oils and many industrial base fluids
Lubricity / process aid
Can support lubrication and processing performance in technical systems
Formulation stabilisation
Helps reduce separation and improve consistency in oil-rich formulations
Typical Uses by Industry
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Non-ionic emulsifier for creams, lotions, cleansing products and oil-rich cosmetic formulations
Helps improve emulsion stability, texture and spreadability
Suitable for water-in-oil emulsions and other oil-based personal care systems
Can be used alongside higher-HLB surfactants to optimise emulsion performance
Industrial & Technical
Suitable for industrial emulsions, process oils, dispersions and release-agent formulations
Used where oil compatibility, wetting and low-HLB emulsification are required
Can support the dispersion of hydrophobic additives, fillers and waxes
Coatings & Polishes
Used as a dispersant and co-emulsifier in selected coatings, wax systems, polishes and surface-treatment formulations
Helps stabilise oil-rich or hydrophobic components
Agriculture
Used as an emulsifier and wetting agent in pesticide and herbicide formulations