Tween T-20 lauric acid (CAS: 9005-64-5) is a classic nonionic surfactant, chemically named polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, with molecular formula C58H114O26 and molecular weight of approximately 1228. The product appears as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid with a slight characteristic odor, readily soluble in polar solvents such as water, methanol, and ethanol, and is hygroscopic. As an O/W emulsifier, its HLB value is as high as 16.7, making it a highly hydrophilic surfactant capable of efficiently stabilizing oil-in-water emulsion systems.
In terms of surface activity, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of Tween T-20 is only 0.008% (w/v), and the surface tension can be reduced to 30~32 mN/m, demonstrating excellent interfacial activity. The cloud point ranges from 76 to 78℃, ensuring good solubility and functionality at room temperature and relatively high temperatures. The product has an active content of ≥97%, an acid value of ≤2 mg KOH/g, a saponification value of 40~50 mg KOH/g, and a hydroxyl value of 95~110 mg KOH/g. These indicators reflect the high purity and degree of esterification. Additionally, the product contains extremely low levels of heavy metals (≤10 ppm) and arsenic (≤2 ppm), meeting the strict standards for food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade applications.
The product has good chemical stability and is not prone to deterioration under normal storage and use conditions. However, it may undergo hydrolysis in strong acidic, strong alkaline, or prolonged high-temperature environments. Its foam characteristics are low foam, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid defoaming or low-foam systems. The freezing point is below 0℃, and the flash point is greater than 110℃, facilitating handling and transportation at room temperature. It is recommended not to store the product with incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers or strong acids. The storage temperature should be controlled between 5℃ and 30℃, avoiding freezing or prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
| Parameter Item | Specification Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate | —— |
| CAS Number | 9005-64-5 | —— |
| Molecular Formula | C58H114O26 | —— |
| Molecular Weight | ~1228 | Average molecular weight |
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber viscous liquid | —— |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic | —— |
| HLB Value | 16.7 | Extremely hydrophilic |
| Active Content | ≥97% | —— |
| Moisture | ≤3.0% | —— |
| pH (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~7.0 | —— |
| pH (5% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~7.0 | —— |
| Density (25℃) | ~1.10 g/cm³ | —— |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25℃) | ~400 mm²/s | —— |
| Low-Shear Viscosity | ~450 mPa·s | —— |
| Refractive Index (25℃) | 1.468~1.472 | —— |
| Freezing Point/Melting Point | ＜0℃ | —— |
| Cloud Point | 76~78℃ | —— |
| Flash Point | ＞110℃ | Open cup method |
| Acid Value | ≤2 mg KOH/g | —— |
| Saponification Value | 40~50 mg KOH/g | —— |
| Hydroxyl Value | 95~110 mg KOH/g | —— |
| Iodine Value | ≤2 g I2/100g | —— |
| Surface Tension | 30~32 mN/m | 25℃, aqueous solution |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 0.008% (w/v) | 25℃ |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foam | —— |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic | —— |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water, methanol, ethanol | —— |
| Chemical Stability | Stable, may hydrolyze in strong acid, strong base, and high temperatures | —— |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | —— |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | —— |
| Packaging | 50kg/200kg plastic drum | —— |
With a high HLB value of 16.7, Tween T-20 is particularly suitable for O/W type (