Tween 20 lauric acid (CAS No.: 9005-64-5), trade names Polysorbate 20 / Tween 20, is one of the core surfactant products of Guoli Chemical. Its molecular structure is formed by esterifying sorbitan with lauric acid and then condensing it with 20 moles of ethylene oxide. The molecular formula is C₅₈H₁₁₄O₂₆ and the molecular weight is approximately 1228. This product belongs to non-ionic surfactants, which do not dissociate in water, thus offering excellent chemical compatibility—it can be used in combination with cationic, anionic, and other non-ionic surfactants, and remains stable in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media.
As a hydrophilic emulsifier with a high HLB value (16.7), Tween 20 can significantly reduce the surface tension of water (surface tension 30~32 mN/m) at low concentrations, with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of only 0.008% (w/v). This means that a very small amount can achieve solubilizing and wetting effects. The cloud point of the product is 76~78°C, indicating that it maintains good solubility and functionality from room temperature to moderate temperatures. Additionally, its low foaming characteristics make it particularly suitable for formulations requiring quick defoaming or low-foaming systems.
Tween 20 is included in the pharmacopoeias of China, the United States, and the European Union, and has been assigned the food additive code E432. Its high purity and favorable toxicological safety profile make it an indispensable excipient in pharmaceutical oral liquids, injections, and food emulsification. In biochemical experiments, it is a standard detergent and blocking reagent component for immunoassays such as ELISA and Western blot, earning the reputation of a "versatile tool" in the laboratory.
The following are the core physicochemical indicators of Tween 20 lauric acid produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. (data source: Guoli Chemical product database):
| Project | Indicator | Project | Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate | Ionic Type | Non-ionic |
| CAS No. | 9005-64-5 | Molecular Formula | C₅₈H₁₁₄O₂₆ |
| Molecular Weight | ~1228 | Appearance | Light yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| HLB Value | 16.7 | Cloud Point | 76~78℃ |
| Active Content | ≥97% | pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Surface Tension | 30~32 mN/m | Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 0.008% (w/v) |
| Hydroxyl Value | 95~110 mgKOH/g | Acid Value | ≤2 mgKOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 40~50 mgKOH/g | Iodine Value | ≤2 gI₂/100g |
| Moisture Content | ≤3.0% | Density | ~1.10 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity | ~400 mm²/s | Refractive Index | 1.468~1.472 |
| Flash Point | ＞110℃ | Freezing Point | ＜0℃ |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water, methanol, ethanol | Foaming Characteristics | Low foam |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm |
| Chemical Stability | Stable, may hydrolyze under strong acid, strong base, and high temperature | ||
| Packaging Specification | 50kg / 200kg plastic drum | ||
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: As an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer, it is recommended for use in creams, lotions, facial cleansers, shampoos, and body washes to help uniformly mix the water and oil phases, enhancing product stability and skin feel. The typical addition amount is 1% to 5% of the total formula. Its mild nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin and infant care formulations.
Pharmaceutical Excipients and Food Industry: In oral liquids and injections, it serves as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs, improving bioavailability; in foods such as ice cream and pastries, it acts as an emulsifying stabilizer to prevent ice crystal formation and oil-water separation. This product meets pharmacopoeial standards, with strict control over various impurity indicators (heavy metals ≤10ppm, arsenic ≤2ppm), making it suitable for high-quality pharmaceutical and food-grade formulations.
Industrial Cleaning and Textile Auxiliaries: Leveraging its excellent wetting and detergency, it can be formulated into hard surface cleaners and metal cleaners; in textile processes, it is used as a wetting agent and antistatic agent. Recommended working concentration: 0.1% to 0.5%.
Biochemical Experiments: As a standard component in ELISA wash buffer (PBST) and Western blot blocking buffer (TBST), it is typically used at a concentration of 0.05% to 0.1% (v/v), effectively reducing non-specific binding and improving the signal-to-noise ratio of detection.
Pesticide Emulsification and Paint Dispersion: As an emulsifier in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates and aqueous emulsions, the recommended dosage is 5% to 15% of the active ingredient; in water-based paints and inks, it acts as a pigment wetting and dispersing agent, significantly improving system fluidity and color uniformity.