Tween T-20 laurate (CAS No.: 9005-64-5), chemically known as polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20), is a high-performance nonionic surfactant. The product appears as a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid and belongs to the typical O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier system. The synergistic effect of the hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and the lipophilic laurate ester groups in its molecular structure endows the product with excellent amphiphilic properties.
As a nonionic surfactant, Tween T-20 has outstanding chemical compatibility, remaining stable in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments. It can be synergistically compounded with cationic, anionic, and other nonionic surfactants, offering high formulation flexibility. Meanwhile, its mild nature makes it widely favored in personal care products and pharmaceutical excipients, with relatively low irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.
Tween T-20 has an HLB value of approximately 16.7, indicating strong hydrophilicity, making it particularly suitable for oil-in-water emulsion systems. In terms of solubilization, it significantly enhances the solubility of poorly soluble substances (such as fragrances, essential oils, and lipophilic drugs) in the aqueous phase, serving as an essential functional adjuvant in formulation development. Additionally, in biochemical experiments, it is often used as a nonionic detergent in ELISA wash buffers and Western blot blocking buffers to effectively reduce background signals and improve detection sensitivity.
| Property Dimension | Specific Performance |
|---|---|
| Emulsifying Ability | Efficiently stabilizes oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems |
| Solubilizing Effect | Significantly enhances the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble substances |
| Wetting and Spreading | Excellent wetting, spreading ability, and dispersion stability |
| Chemical Compatibility | Stable in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, with strong tolerance |
| Formulation Flexibility | Can be used synergistically with cationic, anionic, and other nonionic surfactants |
| HLB Value | Approximately 16.7 (strong hydrophilicity, suitable for O/W systems) |
| Physical Form | Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Food Additive Number | E432 |
The application scenarios for Tween T-20 are extremely broad, covering almost all industrial and scientific fields requiring emulsification and solubilization functions:
When using, note the following safety points: This product may cause mild skin irritation (H316), prolonged or repeated exposure may cause skin allergic reactions (H317), direct contact may cause serious eye irritation (H319), and it is harmful to aquatic life (H402). It is recommended to wear impermeable gloves and chemical safety goggles during operation, and ensure the workplace is well-ventilated. Storage temperature should be maintained at 5°C to 30°C, avoiding freezing or prolonged high-temperature exposure. For detailed safety information, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).