Poly sorbate 20
| Frmula | C58H114O26 |
| Density | 1.1 g/cm3 (20°C) |
| Molar mass | 1227.72 g/mol |
| CAS number | 9005-64-5 |
| HS Code | 34021300 |
| Storage | Store at 15 to 25 °C |
| SDS | availeble |
| RTECS | TR7400000 |
| Odour | almost odourless |
| Form | liquid to viscose |
| Color | yellowish |
| p H value | 6 – 8 (50 g/20 °C) |
| Solubility in water | soluble ( 20 °C ) |
| Solubility in ethanol | soluble ( 20 °C ) |
| Flash point | >149 °c |
| Boiling point | >100 °c |
| Vapour pressure | <1.4 hpa |
| Viscosity kinematic | ~400 mPa*s (25 °C ) |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Specific gravity | ~ | 1.1 | g/cm3 |
| Viscosity | ~ | 400 | Cs |
| Acid value | ≤ | 2.2 | |
| Hydroxyl value | 96 – 108 | ||
| Saponification value | 40 – 50 | ||
| Residual on ignation | ≤ | 0.25 | % |
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Water | ≤ | 3.0 | % |
Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) is a hydrophilic nonionic surfactant commonly used in pharmaceutical and laboratory applications as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and wetting agent. It is derived from the ethoxylation of sorbitan monolaurate, resulting in a compound with 20 ethylene oxide units per molecule.
🏭⚗️ Production
Polysorbate 20 is synthesized by the ethoxylation of sorbitan monolaurate with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions. The process involves adding 20 units of ethylene oxide to the sorbitan molecule, creating a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance suitable for various applications. The resulting product is purified to remove unreacted materials and by-products, ensuring high purity and consistency.
🔬 Properties
Polysorbate 20 is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild odor. It is soluble in water and most polar solvents, forming stable solutions. The compound exhibits low toxicity and is generally recognized as safe for use in pharmaceutical and laboratory settings. It has a molecular weight of approximately 1,150 g/mol and a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 16.7, indicating its suitability for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions.
🧪 Applications
In pharmaceutical formulations, Polysorbate 20 is used to solubilize hydrophobic drugs, enhancing their bioavailability and stability in aqueous solutions. It serves as an emulsifier in the preparation of topical creams, lotions, and ointments, ensuring uniform dispersion of active ingredients. Additionally, Polysorbate 20 is utilized as a wetting agent in oral and parenteral suspensions, improving the uniformity and stability of the formulation. In laboratory settings, it is employed as a detergent in immunoassays, such as Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), to reduce non-specific binding and enhance signal clarity. It also functions as a stabilizing agent in protein formulations and as a dispersing agent in cell culture media.
⚠️ Safety
Polysorbate 20 is considered non-toxic and non-irritating under normal usage conditions. However, it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. The World Health Organization has suggested acceptable daily intake limits of 0–25 mg of polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters per kg body weight. It is important to handle Polysorbate 20 according to safety guidelines, using appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring proper storage conditions to maintain product integrity.
