Polysorbate 80

What is Polysorbate 80?

Molecular Formula (Polysorbate 80): C₃₂H₆₀O₁₀

Molecular Weight: 604.80 g/mol

Chemical Name: Tween 80

CAS Number: 9005-65-6

Tween 80 is a synthetic compound. It is a chemical substance with excipient properties. It has nonionic surfactant properties. It also has emulsifier properties.

It is a chemical substance in the polyether class. It is a polymer of Ethylene Oxide.

In the naming of polysorbates, the numerical expression following the polysorbate indicates the acid.

Other Names are as Follows;

• Tween 80
• Polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitane monooleate
• Peg 3 Sorbitane Oleate
• Inhibited Ethylene Glycol
• Inhibited ethylene glycol, antifreeze
• Polysorbate 80
• E 433

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

It has a color ranging between yellow and amber. It has a warm and bitter taste.

Its density is 1.08 g/mL.

The boiling point is above 100 °C.

Melting Point: -6 °C.

In terms of stability, it is incompatible with strong alkaline chemicals and oxidizing chemical agents.

It is soluble in water and alcohols. It is insoluble in oil.

How is Polysorbate 80 Produced?

To obtain high-purity Polysorbate, it is produced through the esterification reaction of Sorbitol and Ethylene Oxide. Another acid used in its production is oleic acid.

Oleic acid is both an animal and vegetable fatty acid. Commercial oleic acid is not a pure fatty acid; it consists of a mixture of different fatty acids.

The production reaction of Tween 80 is as follows.

The commercial production technique generally consists of 3 stages. These are;

1. Sorbyl Alcohol (Sorbitol) dehydration
2. Esterification of Oleic Acid
3. Etherification of Oxetane

What are the Usage Areas of Polysorbate 80?

• It is used as an emulsifier in food and some other products. Usage areas as an emulsifier include: Chocolates, breads, cake mixes, salad dressings, and the production of fats.
• In soap production and the cosmetic sector, its surfactant properties are utilized.
• It is used as a lubricant in the manufacture of eye drops.
• It is an emulsifier used in the production of vaccine and injection solutions to ensure that the components contained within are homogeneously distributed.
• Polysorbate is the chemical substance used as an excipient to stabilize aqueous pharmaceutical formulations.
• It is used as an adjuvant in influenza vaccines.
• It has estrogen-regulating properties.
• In some productions, it helps compounds mix with each other and prevents separation.
• Polysorbate is used as a fixative to increase the longevity of Essences.
• It is used to increase the solubility of the essence.
• It is used together with the active ingredient in the manufacture of antipyretic syrups. The purpose of use here is to emulsify.
• Polysorbate 20 is used as an auxiliary substance in the production of mouthwashes.
• In shampoos produced for scalp repair, some ingredients have anti-hair loss properties. In such shampoos, Polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier.
• It is used as an emulsifier in the manufacture of some pesticides.
• In the cosmetic sector, it can help prevent bacterial and fungal growth in water-based cosmetic products. This ensures the resulting product is safer for health.
• It is used to ensure mixing in ice cream, chocolate sauces, and other sauces.
• It is used in scabies cream formulas containing Benzyl Benzoate. PS 80 can be used as an emulsifying agent to ensure the oil and water phases mix very well in the manufacture of scabies cream.

What Factors Affect the Prices?

The price of Polysorbate 80 is parallel to the chemicals used in its production. If sorbitol and ethylene oxide prices increase, the prices of this chemical compound rise.

Chemical prices in the market change depending on the stocks of companies selling Polysorbate 80. As stocks increase, prices will experience short-term drops.

The prices of this chemical substance are directly dependent on its usage areas. Towards the summer months, Polysorbate 80 prices rise.