What is "sorbitan"

n. (context chemistry English) a dehydration product of sorbitol having a tetrahydrofuran ring and four hydroxy groups; it is used in the manufacture of emulsifiers

Sorbitan is a mixture of isomeric organic compounds derived from the dehydration of sorbitol and is an intermediate in the conversion of sorbitol to isosorbide. Sorbitan is primarily used in the production of surfactants such as polysorbates; which are important emulsifying agents, with a total annual demand of more than 10000 tons in 2012.