Overview
Polysorbate 80, commonly known as Tween 80, is a polyoxyethylene derivative of sorbitan monooleate. It belongs to the class of nonionic surfactants and is widely used for its emulsifying, dispersing, and solubilizing properties. Its molecular structure combines hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chains with lipophilic oleic acid, making it effective in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. The compound is synthesized by ethoxylation of sorbitan monooleate, yielding a product with an average of 20 ethylene oxide units. Its versatility and low toxicity have led to approvals by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA for use in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care products.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Polysorbate 80 is a viscous, yellow to amber liquid with a faint characteristic odor. It has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of approximately 15, indicating strong water solubility. The substance is hygroscopic and forms clear to turbid solutions in water, ethanol, and vegetable oils. Its chemical stability is moderate, with susceptibility to oxidative degradation over time. It hydrolyzes under extreme pH conditions (e.g., strong acids or bases). The freezing point is typically below 0°C, and it exhibits Newtonian flow behavior at room temperature. The surface tension of a 0.1% aqueous solution is about 41 mN/m at 25°C.
Main Applications
In the pharmaceutical industry, Polysorbate 80 serves as a solubilizer for hydrophobic drugs in injectables and oral formulations. It is a key excipient in vaccines, vitamin injections, and anticancer preparations. The food industry utilizes it as an emulsifier in ice creams, baked goods, and flavor concentrates, typically at 0.1-1% concentrations. Cosmetic formulations employ it to stabilize emulsions in creams, lotions, and makeup removers. Industrial applications include textile processing, pesticide formulations, and as a dispersant in polymerization reactions. Its ability to reduce interfacial tension makes it valuable in enhanced oil recovery processes.
Safety and Storage
Polysorbate 80 is classified as a low-hazard substance with LD50 values >2000 mg/kg (oral, rat). Chronic exposure may cause mild skin or eye irritation. Proper storage requires airtight containers in cool (15-25°C), dry conditions away from strong oxidizers to prevent degradation. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) recommend using nitrile gloves and eye protection when handling concentrated forms. Bulk storage tanks should be constructed from stainless steel or polyethylene. Shelf life is typically 2-3 years when stored correctly, with degradation evidenced by color darkening or increased acidity.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify required grades (USP, Ph.Eur., or FCC) based on application needs. Pharmaceutical-grade material must meet stringent limits for peroxide value (<10 meq/kg) and residual ethylene oxide (<1 ppm). Food-grade purchases require certification for heavy metal content and microbiological purity. Reliable suppliers provide certificates of analysis (CoA) with parameters like saponification value (45-55 mg KOH/g) and hydroxyl value (65-80 mg KOH/g). Container options range from 25 kg drums to 1000 kg IBC totes. For large-scale procurement (10+ metric tons), contract manufacturing arrangements often yield 10-15% cost savings.
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