Tween T-80 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, CAS 9005-65-6) is a classic nonionic surfactant product produced by Guoli Chemical. Its molecular formula is C64H124O26, with a molecular weight of approximately 1310. It appears as a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid with a slight characteristic odor and hygroscopicity. The product has an HLB value as high as 15, making it a hydrophilic surfactant especially suitable for preparing oil-in-water (O\/W) emulsion systems. It is widely used in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and industrial fields.
Under normal storage conditions, this product is chemically stable, but it may hydrolyze under strong acid or strong alkaline environments. Therefore, pH control in the formulation is important. Tween T-80 exhibits low foaming properties, relatively poor penetration, and average alkali resistance, but it has excellent emulsifying and solubilizing abilities. Its critical micelle concentration (CMC) is 1.3×10-5 mol\/L, indicating that it can form micelles and exert solubilizing effects at very low concentrations.
In terms of product specifications, Guoli Chemical's Tween T-80 has an active content of ≥97%, moisture ≤3.0%, acid value ≤2.0 mgKOH\/g, heavy metals (as Pb) ≤10 ppm, and arsenic ≤2 ppm, meeting the stringent standards for pharmaceutical and food applications. The product is packaged in 50 kg or 200 kg plastic drums, with a recommended storage temperature of 10-30°C, and should be kept sealed and moisture-proof.
| Parameter Name | Technical Index |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate |
| CAS No. | 9005-65-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C64H124O26 |
| Molecular Weight | Approx. 1310 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Appearance (25°C) | Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| HLB Value | 15 |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | Approx. 93°C |
| Active Content | ≥97% |
| Moisture | ≤3.0% |
| pH (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0-7.0 |
| pH (5% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0-7.0 |
| Density (25°C) | 1.06-1.10 g\/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.472-1.476 |
| Viscosity (25°C, Low Shear) | Approx. 600 mPa·s |
| Kinematic Viscosity (40°C) | Approx. 425 mm²\/s |
| Flash Point | >149°C |
| Acid Value | ≤2.0 mgKOH\/g |
| Saponification Value | 45-55 mgKOH\/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 65-80 mgKOH\/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤2 gI₂\/100g |
| Surface Tension (0.1% Aqueous Solution) | 42.5 mN\/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 1.3×10-5 mol\/L |
| Monoester Content | ≥70% |
| Diester Content | ≤10% |
| Free Alcohol | ≤2% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water, benzene, and organic solvents |
| Foam Performance | Low foaming |
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions; hydrolyzes under strong acid and strong alkali |
Emulsifying characteristics of HLB value 15: The high HLB value gives Tween T-80 strong hydrophilicity, making it an ideal O\/W emulsifier. In pharmaceutical emulsions, cosmetic creams, and food emulsions, the recommended dosage is 5%-20% of the oil phase weight. The preferred emulsification method is to compound it with low HLB value emulsifiers (such as Span series) to achieve more stable emulsification results. For example, compounding with Span 80 (HLB 4.3) in a certain proportion can precisely adjust the system HLB value to meet different oil phase requirements.
High CMC and solubilizing ability: The CMC of 1.3×10-5 mol\/L indicates that micelles can be formed at very low concentrations, which is crucial for solubilizing poorly soluble drugs. In pharmaceutical injections, Tween T-80 is recognized as an efficient solubilizer, but the actual dosage must follow pharmacopoeia and relevant regulatory guidelines. Generally, the recommended concentration in injections should not exceed 1%-2%.
Viscosity and operation guidelines: The product has a low-shear viscosity of about 600 mPa·s at 25°C, indicating a certain thickness. The viscosity increases further at low temperatures. It is recommended to allow the product to warm up to 20-30°C before operation to facilitate drum pouring and pumping. For pumping, gear pumps or diaphragm pumps suitable for medium viscosity liquids should be used.