Question

What are the physical and chemical technical parameters of Tween T-20 Coconut Fatty Acid?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 吐温T-20椰油酸

Tween T-20 Coconut Fatty Acid (CAS: 9005-64-5) is a non-ionic surfactant with a high HLB value (16.7), appearing as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid. It exhibits excellent comprehensive physical and chemical properties, with core parameters such as active content ≥97%, low acid value (≤2), low iodine value (≤2), and good chemical stability over a wide pH range.

Detailed Description

Tween T-20 Coconut Fatty Acid (chemical name: Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monococoate) is one of the core products of Guoli Chemical. The database shows its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value is as high as 16.7, indicating strong hydrophilicity and excellent performance as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier and efficient solubilizer. Its low acid value (≤2 mg KOH/g) and extremely low iodine value (≤2) indicate high purity, very few unsaturated bonds in the molecular structure, and excellent oxidation resistance and chemical inertness in formulations.

In terms of physical form and surface activity, this product has a kinematic viscosity of approximately 400 mm²/s (25°C), density of about 1.10 g/cm³, and slight hygroscopicity. Its 1% aqueous solution can reduce surface tension to about 37 mN/m, and its critical micelle concentration (CMC) is as low as about 6×10⁻⁵ mol/L, ensuring effective wetting, spreading, and solubilization at very low addition levels. It is easily soluble in water, methanol, ethanol, and other polar solvents. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution is between 5.0 and 7.0, making it very mild.

According to the strictly monitored heavy metal limit indicators (Pb≤10 mg/kg, As≤2 mg/kg) in the Guoli Chemical database, this product has high purity. Whether used as a cosmetic-grade or industrial-grade green auxiliary, its composition distribution with no unsaturated bonds, low free alcohols (≤1%), and high monoester content (≥90%) gives formulation engineers great confidence in process stability and safety.

Technical Parameters

Indicator Specification/Parameter Remarks
Chemical Name Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monococoate Also known as Tween 20 / Polysorbate 20
CAS Number 9005-64-5
Molecular Formula/Weight C58H114O26 / ~1228
Appearance Light yellow to amber viscous liquid
Ionic Type Non-ionic
Active Content ≥ 97%
HLB Value (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) 16.7 High hydrophilicity
pH Value (1% / 5% Aqueous Solution) 5.0 - 7.0 Good mildness
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) > 100°C High temperature resistance without separation
Density (25°C) ~1.10 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) ~400 mm²/s
Refractive Index 1.468 - 1.472
Acid Value ≤ 2 mg KOH/g Very low free acid content
Iodine Value ≤ 2 Strong oxidation resistance
Saponification Value 40 - 50 mg KOH/g
Hydroxyl Value 95 - 110 mg KOH/g
Moisture ≤ 3.0%
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) ~37 mN/m Good wetting and spreading properties