The invention discloses a synthetic method for a
sorbitan octoate emulsifier. The synthetic method is characterized by being prepared from commercially available D-
sorbitol,
caprylic acid, a
metal tin catalyst, a basic catalyst and a granular
magnesium silicate adsorbent, which serve as raw materials, through processes of etherification, etherate refinement, esterification, deacidification, ester refinement and the like. According to the method, the
metal tin catalyst is rationally selected and used; a product in the etherification process is subjected to adsorption and refinement treatment by utilizing the granular
magnesium silicate adsorbent; unreacted
caprylic acid is removed in vacuum at a high temperature; and a final product is subjected to adsorption and refinement treatment by utilizing the granular
magnesium silicate adsorbent, so that the
sorbitan octoate emulsifier which has the
acid value less than 2.0 mgKOH / g, the color luster less than or equal to 100 Hazen, the
hydroxyl value equal to 230-300 mgKOH / g and the
saponification value equal to 180-210 mgKOH / g, is light in smell, high in transparency, low in
fatty acid residue content, difficult in acid
backflow and high in stability, and has good solubilizing, emulsification-facilitating, tackifying and anticorrosion-enhancing effects and safe and mild performance is obtained; and the method is suitable for the fields of daily chemicals and
cosmetics, and the like.