Polysorbate 20 CAS#9005-64-5
Polysorbate 20, commonly referred to as Tween 20, is a non‑ionic surfactant. It takes the form of a transparent oily liquid ranging from yellow to amber, with a distinctive odour and a mildly bitter flavour.
This ingredient is popularly utilized as a stabilizer, added both throughout the production and within the finished formulations of biological products.
It is synthesized via the ethoxylation reaction between sorbitan monolaurate and ethylene oxide.
Its relative density ranges from 1.08 to 1.13, and its boiling point is 321°C.
It dissolves easily in water, ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate, while showing no solubility in mineral oil or petroleum ether.
Polysorbate 20 Chemical Properties
| Melting point | 98.9 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling point | 100 °C |
| density | 1.11 g/mL at 20 °C |
| vapor pressure | <1.4 hPa (20 °C) |
| refractive index | n20/D 1.468(lit.) |
| FEMA | 2915 | POLYSORBATE 20 |
| Fp | >230 °F |
| storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
| solubility | 100 g/L |
| form | viscous liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.090～1.130 (20/20℃) |
| color | Amber |
| PH | 6-8 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Odor | mild alcohol odor |
| PH Range | 7 |
| Odor Type | alcoholic |
| Water Solubility | 100 g/L |
| Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) | 16.7 |
| Stability: | Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Polysorbate 20 (9005-64-5) |
| Hazard Codes | Xi |
| Risk Statements | 22-36/37/38-37/38-41 |
| Safety Statements | 24/25-36/37/39-36-26 |
| WGK Germany | 1 |
| RTECS | TR7400000 |
| F | 46318 |
| TSCA | Yes |
| HS Code | 34021300 |
| Hazardous Substances Data | 9005-64-5(Hazardous Substances Data) |
| Toxicity | LD50 orally in Rabbit: 38900 mg/kg |
Product Application of Polysorbate 20 CAS#9005-64-5
Tween 20 is an oil‑in‑water emulsifier featuring versatile performance. It delivers multiple functions such as solubilizing, dispersing, stabilizing, lubricating and antistatic effects.
For the petroleum sector, it works as a paraffin inhibitor to eliminate wax buildup inside oil wells. It also functions as a viscosity reducer: it cuts the viscosity of crude oil, helps boost output from oil wells and optimizes pipeline transport efficiency.
In pharma and personal care industries, Tween 20 acts as a solubilizer, penetration enhancer and dispersant for pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetic formulas. Besides, its rust‑inhibiting and lubricating characteristics make it a suitable ingredient for anti‑rust lubricants, as well as rust removal and degreasing oil blends.
