Which of the following are stabilizers for emulsions?

• A. Acacia
• B. High-Molecular Weight Alcohol, Colloidal Clays
• C. Gelatin
• D. Sorbitan Esters

Answer: (B)

Stabilizers for emulsions work by making the continuous phase thicker or by forming a network around the droplets so they don’t move together and coalesce. High-molecular-weight alcohols act as thickening agents, increasing the viscosity of the external phase and slowing outflow or creaming of droplets. Colloidal clays swell to form a gel-like network that provides a physical barrier and supportive structure around droplets, further reducing separation.

In contrast, the other substances are more about reducing interfacial tension and forming films at the droplet surface (emulsifiers) or stabilizing droplets with protective coatings, rather than mainly adding viscosity or a network. That’s why the combination of a high-molecular-weight alcohol with colloidal clays best represents emulsion stabilizers.