Polysorbate 20/60/80

• Name: Sorbitan,mono-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.
• Superlist Name: Tween 80
• Molecular Weight: 428.600006103516
• Synonyms: Sorbitan,mono-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z)-;Sorbitan,monooleate, polyoxyethylene derivs. (8CI);Glycols, polyethylene, ether withsorbitan monooleate (8CI);Alkamuls PSMO 20;Alkamuls T 80;Atlox 1087;Atlox8916TF;Canarcel TW 80;Capmul POE-O;Cemerol T 80;Cemesol TW 1020;Crill 10;Crill 11;Crill S 10;Crillet 4;Crillet 4 HP;Crillet 4 Super;Crillet 41;Crodalan AWS;Disponil SMO 120;Disponil SMO 120 Spez;Durfax 80;E 433;E 433(polyglycol);Ecoteric 20;Ecoteric T 80;Emalex ET 8020;Emasol O 105R;Emsorb6900;Emulson 10OM;Ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate;Ethsorbox O 20;Ethylan GE08;Ethylene oxide-sorbitan monooleate polymer;Eumulgin SMO 20;Flo Mo SMO 20;Glycosperse O 20;Glycosperse O 5;Hexaethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate;Hodag SVO 9;Ionet T 80;Ionet T 80C;Ionet T 80V;Ionet-T 80PA;Lamesorb SMO20;Liposorb O 20VBE;MO 55F;Montanox 80;Montanox 81VG;Montanox DF 80;Myvatex MSPS;Nikkol TO 10;Nikkol TO 106;Nikkol TO 10M;Nikkol TO 10MV;Nikkol TO 10V;Nissan Nonion OT 220;Nissan Nonion OT 221;Nofable ESO 9920;Nonio-light 0-30;Nonio-light SPO 1;Nonion OT 220;Nonion OT 221;Olothorb;PEG sorbitan monooleate;PEO(20) sorbitan monooleate;POE sorbitan monooleate;Polisorbac 60;Polyethoxylated sorbitan monooleate;Polyethylene glycolsorbitan ether monooleate;Polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate;Polyoxyethylated sorbitan monooleate;Polyoxyethylene monosorbitan monooleate;Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate;Polyoxyethylenesorbitan oleate;Polysorban80;Polysorbate 80;Polysorbate 81;Radiasurf 7157;Rheodol Super TW-O 120;Rheodol TQ-O 106;Rheodol TW 0120V;Rheodol TW-O 106;Rheodol TW-O 106V;Rheodol TW-O 120;Rheodol TW-O 120V;Romulgin O;SVO 9;Setrolene O;Silvan T80;Simugel EG;Sorbax PMO 20;Sorbimacrogol oleate;Sorbimacrogol oleate 100;Sorbimacrogol oleate 300;Sorbital O 20;Sorbitan monooleate ethylene oxideadduct;Sorbitan monooleate polyethylene glycol ether;Sorbitan monooleatepolyoxyethylene ether;Tween 80;
• EINECS:500-019-9
• Density: 1.064
• Boiling Point :> 100 C
• Flash Point: >110 C

Polysorbates are a group of emulsifying agents commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other industrial applications. They are nonionic surfactants derived from sorbitol, ethylene oxide, and fatty acids. Their primary function is to help mix oil and water-based ingredients, which normally dont blend well together.

Chemical Structure and Types

• Base compound: Polysorbates are esters of polyoxyethylene sorbitan and fatty acids.

• The name "polysorbate" is followed by a number indicating the type of fatty acid ester:

  • Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) derived from lauric acid

  • Polysorbate 40 (Tween 40) derived from palmitic acid

  • Polysorbate 60 (Tween 60) derived from stearic acid

  • Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) derived from oleic acid

Each has different hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values affecting their emulsifying properties and suitability for different uses.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Usually clear to pale yellow, viscous liquids.

• Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol but insoluble in oils.

• Stability: Generally stable under normal storage conditions; can degrade in strong acids or bases.

Mechanism of Action

Polysorbates reduce the surface tension between oil and water phases, stabilizing emulsions by forming a protective layer around droplets. This prevents the oil droplets from coalescing, resulting in a stable mixture.

Common Uses

1. Food Industry:

   • Emulsifier in products like ice cream, salad dressings, baked goods, and beverages.

   • Helps improve texture, moisture retention, and shelf life.

   • Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA in regulated amounts.

2. Pharmaceuticals:

   • Used in drug formulations to solubilize active ingredients.

   • Commonly found in vaccines, creams, ointments, and injectables.

   • Enhances bioavailability by improving dispersion of poorly soluble drugs.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care:

   • Stabilizes lotions, creams, and makeup products.

   • Prevents separation of oil and water phases.

   • Enhances texture and spreadability.

4. Industrial Applications:

   • Used in detergents and cleaning agents.

   • Applied in textiles and paints as dispersing agents.

Safety and Toxicity

• Polysorbates are generally considered safe for human use in regulated concentrations.

• Some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions or skin irritation.

• Overconsumption or high doses in animals have shown adverse effects, but typical human exposure is very low.

• Regulatory bodies like FDA, EFSA, and WHO have evaluated their safety extensively.

Summary

Polysorbates are versatile, effective emulsifiers that enable the mixing of oil and water-based ingredients. With widespread use across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors, they play a crucial role in product formulation and stability. Their safety profile is well established, making them a trusted ingredient globally.

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