Spans and Tweens are considered:

• A. Binder
• B. Surfactant
• C. Lubricant
• D. Colorant

Answer: (B)

Span and Tween are nonionic surfactants that act as emulsifiers and solubilizers. They work by reducing the surface or interfacial tension between oil and water, which allows one phase to be dispersed within the other and helps form stable emulsions. Span compounds are sorbitan esters and tend to be more lipophilic, while Tween compounds are their polyoxyethylene derivatives and are more hydrophilic; together they tailor the balance needed to stabilize a particular emulsion. Because their primary role is to interact at interfaces and stabilize dispersed droplets, they aren’t binders that hold powders together, lubricants that reduce friction, or colorants that add color.