Question

What is the main component of Tween T-20 coconut acid?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 吐温T-20椰油酸

The main component of Tween T-20 coconut acid is polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monococoate, a nonionic surfactant formed by the condensation of sorbitan, coconut oil fatty acids, and about 20 moles of ethylene oxide.

Detailed Description

Tween T-20 coconut acid (CAS: 9005-64-5) has the chemical name polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monococoate and belongs to the polysorbate class of nonionic surfactants. Its molecular structure consists of three parts: the hydrophilic group is the polyoxyethylene chain (about 20 ethylene oxide units), providing excellent water solubility; the hydrophobic group is the hydrocarbon chain of coconut oil fatty acids (mainly C12–C14), imparting good lipophilicity; and the two are bridged by the sorbitan cyclic structure, forming a unique "anchor-type" amphiphilic molecular configuration.

It should be particularly noted that Guoli Qihua this product differs from standard Tween 20 (pure laurate) by using coconut oil fatty acids as the fatty acid raw material. Coconut fatty acids are a mixture of fatty acids obtained from the hydrolysis of natural coconut oil, with the main fatty acid composition including: lauric acid (C12, about 45%–53%), myristic acid (C14, about 16%–21%), palmitic acid (small amounts of C8–C10), etc. This mixture of fatty acids imparts a broader emulsification adaptability and formulation compatibility to the product.

The product appears as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid. Due to its precise hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB value of about 16.7), it can self-disperse in water to form a clear solution, making it a classic O/W emulsifier and solubilizer.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
Chemical NamePolyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monococoate
CAS Number9005-64-5
SynonymsPolysorbate 20, Tween 20, PEG-20 sorbitan monolaurate
Fatty Acid SourceCoconut oil fatty acids (coconut acid)
Main Fatty Acid CompositionLauric acid (C12), myristic acid (C14), etc.
EO Molar NumberApproximately 20
HLB ValueApproximately 16.7
AppearanceLight yellow to amber viscous liquid
Ionic TypeNonionic surfactant

Application Suggestions

Due to its mixed coconut fatty acid structure, Tween T-20 coconut acid excels in the following fields:

  • Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as a basic O/W emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, lotions, makeup removers, and shampoos to dissolve fragrances and oily active ingredients, imparting a fresh skin feel.
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations: Used as a solubilizing carrier to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of lipophilic drugs, suitable for oral liquids, injections, and topical ointments.
  • Food Industry: Complies with INS 432/E432 standards, used in baked fats, dairy beverages, and seasoning sauces to improve emulsification stability and taste.
  • Industrial Cleaning and Textiles: Works as a wetting agent, antistatic agent, and emulsifying component, playing a key role in detergents and synthetic fiber oils.

Precautions

This product is low-toxicity or practically non-toxic, with no irritation to the skin under normal usage conditions. It is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles during operation to avoid prolonged skin contact and accidental splashing into the eyes. Store at a temperature between 5°C and 35°C, sealed away from light. The shelf life is 24 months from the date of manufacture. If accidentally splashed into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly.