Product Description
| Product | CAS Number | Chemical Formula | Synonyms |
| Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20) | 9005-64-5 | C58H114O26 | Polyethylene glycol sorbitan monolaurate |
| Tween 60 (Polysorbate 60) | 9005-67-8 | C64H124O26 | Polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate |
| Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80) | 9005-65-6 | C64H124O26 | Polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate |
What Is Tween?
Tween (Polysorbates) are a group of emulsifiers and surfactants commonly used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products. They are derived from sorbitan (sugar alcohol) esterified with fatty acids (like lauric acid, stearic acid, or oleic acid) and ethoxylated with a specific number of ethylene oxide units. The most common types are Tween 20, Tween 60, and Tween 80, which differ based on the fatty acid used and the length of the ethylene oxide chain.
To prepare Tween, sorbitan is first esterified with a fatty acid to form sorbitan ester. This ester is then ethoxylated with ethylene oxide, creating a hydrophilic chain, which improves the solubility and emulsifying properties. The result is a non-ionic surfactant with excellent ability to stabilize emulsions, enhance solubility of hydrophobic compounds, and improve texture in various formulations.
Related Parameters:
| Item | Standard |
| Name of Product | Tween 20 |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow viscous liquid |
| Colour (Lovibond R/Y) | ≤1.5R 10Y |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤2.0 |
| Saponification Value (mg KOH/g) | 40-50 |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | 96-108 |
| Residue on Ignition (w/%) | ≤0.25 |
| Moisture (w/%) | ≤3.0 |
| Lead (Pb) (mg/kg) | ≤2.0 |
| Oxyethylene (w/%) | 70.0-74.0 |
| Item | Standard |
| Name of Product | Tween 60 |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow viscous liquid or paste |
| Colour (Lovibond R/Y) | ≤1R 5Y |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤2.0 |
| Saponification Value (mg KOH/g) | 40-55 |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | 80-105 |
| Moisture (%) | ≤3.0 |
| Item | Standard |
| Name of Product | Tween 80 |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
| Color (Lovibond, R/Y) | ≤1R 4Y |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤1.0 |
| Saponification Value (mg KOH/g) | 45-55 |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | 60-90 |
| Moisture (%) | ≤3.0 |
| Residue on Ignition (%) | ≤0.25 |
| Lead (Pb, mg/kg) | ≤2.0 |
| Oxyethylene Content (%) | 65.0 – 70.0 |
Recommended Dosage of Tween:
| Applications | Dosage |
| Cosmetic & Personal Care Products | 0.5% – 2% |
| Pharmaceutical Formulations | 0.5% – 3% |
| Food & Beverages | 0.1% – 0.5% |
| Industrial & Cleaning Products | 1% – 5% |
| Aerosol Formulations | 1% – 2% |
| Agricultural Formulations | 0.5% – 1.5% |
| Paints and Coatings | 0.5% – 1.5% |
| Medical and Healthcare Products | 0.5% – 1% |
| Textile Industry | 0.5% – 1% |
| Lubricants & Hydraulic Fluids | 0.2% – 1% |
Tween Has Wide Range of Uses:
Cosmetic and Personal Care Products
Tween’s emulsifying, solubilizing, and stabilizing qualities make it a common ingredient in cosmetics. It helps create smooth creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners by stabilizing oil-water mixtures.
Pharmaceutical Formulations
In the pharmaceutical industry, Tween is employed as an emulsifier and stabilizer in formulations such as oral suspensions, intravenous injections, and vaccines. It is particularly useful in solubilizing poorly water-soluble drugs.
Food and Beverages
Tween is used in food products like salad dressings, mayonnaise, and flavor emulsions. It contributes to keeping the ingredients stable. Products for Industry and Cleaning In industrial cleaning, Tween acts as a surfactant and emulsifier for detergents, lubricants, and degreasers. It helps in breaking down oil and grease and stabilizing cleaning formulations.
Aerosol Formulations
Tween is added to aerosol products to help solubilize active ingredients and enhance spray performance.
Agricultural Formulations
In agricultural chemicals such as fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides, it serves as a dispersion agent and surfactant.
Paints & Coatings
Tween serves as an emulsifier in paint and coating formulations, helping to stabilize dispersions of pigments and improve the texture of paints.
Medical and Healthcare Products
In medical applications, Tween is used to enhance drug solubility and stabilize emulsions. Additionally, it is used to clean and lubricate medical gadgets.
Textile Industry
In the textile industry, Tween acts as a softener and emulsifier in dye formulations and fabric treatments.
Lubricants and Hydraulic Fluids
Tween is used in industrial lubricants and hydraulic fluids to improve viscosity, lubrication, and prevent corrosion.
User Asked Question:
Q: What is the difference between Tween 20, Tween 60, and Tween 80?
A: Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20) is a mild emulsifier with low viscosity, typically used in personal care products and food applications. Tween 60 (Polysorbate 60) has a higher emulsifying capacity, often used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80) has a stronger emulsifying effect and is used in more demanding applications like vaccines, intravenous drug formulations, and industrial cleaning. The primary difference lies in their fatty acid content, which affects their solubilizing strength and application scope.
