Tween T-20 lauric acid, also known as polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), chemical name polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate. This product is a high-molecular compound formed by esterification of sorbitan with lauric acid followed by condensation with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide. It appears as a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid, with an active ingredient content ≥97%, molecular weight ~1228, CAS number 9005-64-5, and food additive number E432.
As a typical non-ionic surfactant, Tween T-20 lauric acid has excellent hydrophilicity, with an HLB value as high as 16.7, and is readily soluble in polar solvents such as water, methanol, and ethanol. In its molecular structure, lauric acid (dodecanoic acid) constitutes the hydrophobic end, while the polyoxyethylene long chain provides hydrophilic properties, enabling it to efficiently encapsulate oily substances and disperse them in water to form a stable O/W emulsion system. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the product is only 0.008% (w/v), allowing significant surface activity at extremely low concentrations.
The Tween T-20 lauric acid produced by Guoli Chemical has high purity and stable performance, with an acid value ≤2 mgKOH/g, saponification value 40~50 mgKOH/g, hydroxyl value 95~110 mgKOH/g, and moisture content controlled at ≤3.0%. The product exhibits good chemical stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media, and can be flexibly compounded with cationic, anionic, and other non-ionic surfactants, making it an ideal all-rounder in formulation development.
| Parameter Type | Value | Parameter Type | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate | CAS Number | 9005-64-5 |
| Ionic Type | Non-ionic surfactant | Active Content | ≥97% |
| HLB Value | 16.7 | Cloud Point | 76~78°C |
| pH Value (1%/5% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.0 | Moisture Content | ≤3.0% |
| Acid Value | ≤2 mgKOH/g | Saponification Value | 40~50 mgKOH/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 95~110 mgKOH/g | Iodine Value | ≤2 gI₂/100g |
| Density (25°C) | ~1.10 g/cm³ | Surface Tension | 30~32 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 0.008% (w/v) | Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | ~400 mm²/s |
| Refractive Index | 1.468~1.472 | Flash Point | >110°C |
| Heavy Metal Content | ≤10 ppm | Arsenic Content | ≤2 ppm |
* Source: Guoli Chemical Product Database
Tween T-20 lauric acid, with its excellent solubilizing, emulsifying, and wetting properties, is widely used in various industries: as a mild emulsifier in personal care and cosmetics (recommended addition amount 1%~5%); as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs in the pharmaceutical field; as an emulsifying stabilizer (E432) in the food industry; and in biochemical experiments for preparing ELISA washing solutions and Western blot blocking buffers, effectively reducing non-specific binding.