Tween 20, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate, Tween 40, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monopalmitate, Tween 60, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monostearate, Tween 80, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monooleate, E433, 9005-64-5, 9005-66-7, 9005-67-8, 9005-65-6

Tween 20, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate, Tween 40, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monopalmitate, Tween 60, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monostearate, Tween 80, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monooleate, E433, 9005-64-5, 9005-66-7, 9005-67-8, 9005-65-6

​​​Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) – Technical Profile

Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₆₀O₁₀ Molecular Weight: 604.80 g/mol CAS Number: 9005-65-6 Chemical Name: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate Synonyms: Tween 80, PEG-3 Sorbitan Oleate, Polysorbate 80, E433

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Yellow to amber, semi-solid

• Taste: Warm, slightly bitter

• Density: 1.08 g/mL

• Boiling Point: Above 100 °C

• Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and toluene; insoluble in oils

• Stability: Incompatible with strong alkalis and oxidizing agents

Production Method

Polysorbate 80 is synthesized through:

1. Dehydration of sorbitol

2. Esterification with oleic acid

3. Ethoxylation with ethylene oxide

Result: A nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitan and oleic acid.

Functions

• Emulsifier: Creates stable oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions

• Surfactant: Reduces surface tension, improves spreadability

• Solubilizer: Enhances solubility of hydrophobic compounds in aqueous systems

• Stabilizer: Prevents separation of ingredients

• Viscosity modifier: Adjusts texture and consistency

Applications

• Food Industry: Chocolates, baked goods, salad dressings, ice cream (improves texture, prevents melting)

• Cosmetics: Shampoos, lotions, creams, bath bombs, makeup (pigment dispersant, oil-water binder)

• Pharmaceuticals: Eye drops, syrups, vaccines, injectable solutions (excipient, stabilizer)

• Industrial Uses: Soap production, pesticide formulations

Certifications

• GMP

• Kosher

• Halal

• ISO 9001

• HACCP

Polysorbate Types – Comparison Table

Key Notes

• Family: All polysorbates are nonionic surfactants derived from sorbitol + fatty acids (lauric, palmitic, stearic, oleic).

• HLB Values: Their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) differs depending on the fatty acid, which determines suitability for oil-in-water vs. water-in-oil emulsions.

• Applications:

  • Food: Improve texture, prevent separation, stabilize emulsions.

  • Cosmetics: Solubilize essential oils, disperse pigments, stabilize creams/lotions.

  • Pharma: Used as excipients in syrups, eye drops, injectable solutions, vaccines.