Is Polysorbate 20 one discrete molecule with a fixed molecular weight?

No. Polysorbate 20 is a commercial distribution of ethoxylated sorbitan laurate species, not one discrete molecule. The “20” designation is a nominal ethylene-oxide level. Confirm the offered grade’s relevant specification, such as fatty-acid composition, hydroxyl value, acid value, water, appearance and stated test methods.

Is every product described as Tween 20 or Polysorbate 20 automatically interchangeable?

No. “Tween 20” is a trade name used in the market and generic naming does not establish identical composition, compendial status or performance. Compare the agreed grade specification and then test the proposed material in the intended system. Similar CAS identity or a nominal HLB value alone does not establish equivalence.

What should be checked where a controlled or food-related Polysorbate 20 grade is required?

Identify the intended use, destination and exact applicable standard before choosing a grade. Confirm the actual material’s documented status, specification and batch data against that requirement. A generic product name, CAS number or a supplier’s general statement is not a substitute for the finished-product assessment.

Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5

Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier made from polyethoxylated sorbitan lauric-acid esters. It is a distribution of related partial esters rather than one 99%-pure molecule. The applicable pharmaceutical, food, personal-care or industrial status depends on the exact supplied grade, its specification and the destination market.

CAS: 9005-64-5
Synonyms: Polysorbate 20; polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate; PEG-20 sorbitan laurate; Tween 20 (trade-name reference)
Einecs: 500-018-3
Molecular Formula: Distribution of polyoxyethylene sorbitan laurate partial esters, with about 20 oxyethylene units on average. C58H114O26 may be used as a nominal representative formula only; there is no single molecular formula or molecular weight for the commercial material.
Grade: Confirm the commercial grade code, composition or active matter, key analytical values, physical form and intended-use documents against the current TDS and COA.
Package: State required quantity, physical form and destination; confirm the current bag or container, liner, net weight, temperature handling and transport requirements before quotation.

Request a quote

Share:

Product Description

1 Technical Specifications

2 Applications

3 Storage

4 Safety / Regulatory

Technical Specifications

Property	Specification
CAS Number	9005-64-5
EC / List No.	500-018-3
Identity / Formula	Distribution of polyoxyethylene sorbitan laurate partial esters, with about 20 oxyethylene units on average. C58H114O26 may be used as a nominal representative formula only; there is no single molecular formula or molecular weight for the commercial material.
Grade / Specification	Commercial or compendial grade as documented for the offered material. Do not describe as 99% pure. Confirm the claimed monograph or additive standard, fatty-acid profile, acid value, hydroxyl value, saponification value, water and oxidative-quality limits from the current specification and batch COA.
Key physical data	Typically a liquid nonionic surfactant, but appearance, viscosity and solubility are grade- and method-specific. Use the offered grade's TDS and COA; do not reuse branded typical values as universal specifications.
Packaging	State required quantity, physical form and destination; confirm the current bag or container, liner, net weight, temperature handling and transport requirements before quotation.

Applications

Evaluate as an emulsifier, co-emulsifier, wetting agent or solubilizer in compatible pharmaceutical, personal-care, food or industrial formulations. Use in a regulated product requires a documented suitable grade, destination-law review and validation in the buyer's formulation.

For related polysorbate emulsifier grades, see Polysorbate 60 and Polysorbate 80.

Storage

Store in the original compatible, tightly closed container in a cool, dry, ventilated area, away from heat, ignition sources, moisture and incompatible materials. Prevent contamination and follow the current supplier SDS.

Safety / Regulatory

Use the current supplier SDS, workplace controls and the buyer's risk assessment. Pharmaceutical, food or cosmetic suitability is not established by the CAS number alone; verify the supplied grade's documentation and destination requirements before use.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Is Polysorbate 20 one discrete molecule with a fixed molecular weight?

A: No. Polysorbate 20 is a commercial distribution of ethoxylated sorbitan laurate species, not one discrete molecule. The “20” designation is a nominal ethylene-oxide level. Confirm the offered grade’s relevant specification, such as fatty-acid composition, hydroxyl value, acid value, water, appearance and stated test methods.
Q:
Is every product described as Tween 20 or Polysorbate 20 automatically interchangeable?

A: No. “Tween 20” is a trade name used in the market and generic naming does not establish identical composition, compendial status or performance. Compare the agreed grade specification and then test the proposed material in the intended system. Similar CAS identity or a nominal HLB value alone does not establish equivalence.
Q:
What should be checked where a controlled or food-related Polysorbate 20 grade is required?

A: Identify the intended use, destination and exact applicable standard before choosing a grade. Confirm the actual material’s documented status, specification and batch data against that requirement. A generic product name, CAS number or a supplier’s general statement is not a substitute for the finished-product assessment.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

Current Language

Change Language