Tween 80 is a polyethylene sorbitol ester, non ionic surfactant and an emulsifier derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid.
Tween 80 has been widely used in biochemical applications including: solubilizing proteins, isolating nuclei from cells in culture, growing of tubercule bacilli, and emulsifying and dispersing substances in medicinal and food products. It has little or no activity as an anti-bacterial agent. It has been shown to have an adverse effect on the antibacterial effect of methyl paraben and related compounds.
Tweens are a series of nonionic surfactants derived from sorbitan esters. They are soluble or dispersible in water but differ widely in organic and oil solubilities. Used as oil-in-water emulsifiers in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cleaning compounds, etc.
Key Applications: Surfactant
Product Type: Biochemicals
Biochemical Category: Surfactants
Chemical Class: Biochemicals
Density: 1.08 g/mL (Lit.)
Specific Gravity: 1.06 - 1.09
Viscosity: 300 - 500 cps
Boiling Point: 100°C (Lit.)
Presentation: Clear, Yellow Viscous Liquid
Format: Viscous Liquid
Aggregation Number: 60
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC): 0.012 mM (13-15 mg/L)
Heavy Metals: ≤100 ppm
Residue on ignition: ≤0.25%
Water Content: <3.0%
NOTES: Acid Value ≤2.2 Hydroxyl Value: 65 - 80 Saponification Value: 45 - 55
Solubility: Soluble/miscible in water to give a clear yellow solution; miscible with alcohol, dioxane, and ethyl acetate; practically insoluble in liquid paraffin and fixed oils (such as mineral oil).
Storage & Handling: Room Temperature