•  Tween 20 / Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5
  •  Tween 20 / Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5
  •  Tween 20 / Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5

 Tween 20 / Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5

Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20, CAS 9005-64-5) is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier belonging to the polysorbate family. It is derived from sorbitol, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid, offering excellent emulsifying, wetting, and solubilizing properties across a wide pH range. Tween 20 is widely used as an emulsifier, dispersant, and stabilizer in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations. The product is supplied for industrial use with standard documentation including MSDS, TDS, and COA.

  • CAS: 9005-64-5
  • Synonyms: Tween 20, Polysorbate 20, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, PEG-20 sorbitan monolaurate
  • Einecs: 500-018-3
  • Molecular Formula: C58H114O26
  • Grade: 99%
  • Package: 200kg iron drum or 50kg plastic drum packaging
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Product Description

Physicochemical properties

PropertyDescription
AppearanceTransparent to amber viscous liquid, or slightly yellow waxy solid (depends on temperature and purity)
OdorMild characteristic odor, slightly bitter taste
Solubility– Soluble in polar solvents: water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate
– Insoluble in non-polar solvents: mineral oil, liquid paraffin
Density1.01–1.13 g/cm³ (at 25 °C)
Viscosity0.25–0.40 Pa·s (at 25 °C)
HLB Value16.5–16.7 (high hydrophilicity, suitable for oil-in-water emulsions)
Stability– Chemically stable, resistant to acids, bases, and inorganic salts
– May degrade under autoclaving or prolonged high temperatures (especially in buffers containing metal ions)

Application Areas

Emulsification and solubilization: It is widely used to prepare stable oil in water lotion (such as food, cosmetics, drugs).
Food industry: used as emulsifiers, dispersants, and stabilizers in cakes, ice cream, and shortening.
Textile industry: anti-static agents and fiber lubricants.
Petroleum extraction: Biochemical research on wax inhibitors:
Membrane protein extraction: 2% concentration is used to remove membrane peripheral proteins.
Immunological experiments: Use 0.05% concentration as a blocking agent (such as Western blot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry) to reduce non-specific binding.

Storage conditions

Store in a cool and dark place, keep the container sealed, and keep away from sources of fire and oxidants. High pressure sterilization is not recommended. It is recommended to use a 0.22 μ m filter membrane for sterilization (slightly heated to 40 ℃ before filtration to improve fluidity)

Safety precautions

Safety: harmless to human body, non irritating, in compliance with food additive standards

Personal protection: During operation, experimental clothing, disposable gloves, and goggles should be worn to avoid direct contact with skin or eyes. If in contact with the skin, immediately rinse with soapy water. If in contact with the eyes, rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention
Leakage treatment: Inert materials should be used to absorb leaks and avoid entering sewers or the environment. Ensure ventilation during processing to prevent inhalation of vapors

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

  • Q:

    What is Tween 20 used for?

    A: Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20) is a nonionic surfactant used as an emulsifier, wetting agent, and solubilizer in pharmaceutical formulations, food products, cosmetics, and industrial applications including cleaning products and emulsion polymerization.
  • Q:

    Is Tween 20 the same as Polysorbate 20?

    A: Yes. Tween 20 is the trade name for Polysorbate 20, and the two names are used interchangeably. The CAS number 9005-64-5 identifies the same substance regardless of naming convention.
  • Q:

    What is the HLB value of Tween 20?

    A: Tween 20 has an HLB value of approximately 16.7, indicating strong hydrophilic character. This high HLB makes it suitable as an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer for oils, fragrances, and hydrophobic active ingredients in aqueous systems.
  • Q:

    Can Tween 20 be used in food and pharmaceutical products?

    A: Yes, Polysorbate 20 is an approved food additive (E432) and pharmaceutical excipient used in oral, topical, and parenteral formulations. Buyers should verify the specific grade and regulatory documentation applicable to their region and application.
  • Q:

    How does Tween 20 compare to Tween 80?

    A: Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20) is the monolaurate ester with an HLB of ~16.7, while Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80) is the monooleate ester with an HLB of ~15. Tween 20 offers better water solubility and is preferred for systems requiring higher hydrophilic character.
  • Q:

    What quality indicators should buyers verify when sourcing Tween 20?

    A: Buyers should verify the acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value, water content, and multilaurate content. These parameters ensure consistent surfactant performance in the target formulation system.
Documents

Documents and Product Support

For product review and sourcing evaluation, supporting documents can be coordinated according to the product type, inquiry stage, and order requirements.

  • COA for batch-based quality reference
  • TDS for key physical and chemical information
  • SDS / MSDS for handling, storage, and safety reference
  • Packing information for sample, trial, and bulk orders
  • Technical communication based on application and specification requirements
Quotation

Information to Confirm Before Quotation

Clear sourcing information helps reduce specification mismatch and allows a more accurate quotation before sample or bulk order discussion.

  • Product name and CAS number
  • Application or intended end use
  • Required purity, grade, or specification
  • Sample quantity, trial order, or bulk demand
  • Preferred packing form or net weight
  • Destination country or port
  • Required documents or compliance expectations
Storage & Handling

Packaging, Storage, and Handling Notes

Packaging form, storage conditions, shelf life, and shipment arrangements should be confirmed according to the product characteristics, package size, and destination requirements.

Before order confirmation, buyers are advised to review the corresponding product documents and confirm whether any special storage, labeling, or handling requirements apply.

Supply Support

Sample, Bulk Order and Repeat Supply Support

Support can be arranged for sample discussion, bulk supply planning, packaging confirmation, and routine sourcing communication based on the actual product and order requirements.

For repeat-use formulations or long-term procurement plans, buyers may discuss specification consistency, packaging preferences, delivery expectations, and document coordination in advance.

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