Моностеарат полиоксиэтиленсорбитана

Description

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, also known as Polysorbate 60 and Tween 60, is a nonionic surfactant. It is obtained by esterification of sorbitan with stearic acid followed by oxyethylation: the sorbitan core, stearic residue and oxyethylene chains remain in the molecule, ensuring water solubility. In the food industry, the product is registered as additive E 435. The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of the trademarks is about 14.9, which corresponds to emulsifiers of direct oil-in-water emulsions. Trade designations: Tween 60, Tween 61, Tween 180, Montanox 60, Crillet 31, Nikkol TS 10, Emsorb 6905, Lonzest, Sorbon T 60, Durfax 60K.

Basic Attributes

• CAS No.: 9005-67-8
• Molecular Weight: 606.82900
• HS code: 34021300
• PSA specifications: 133.14000
• XLogP3: 4.33900
• Food additive: E 435

Physico-chemical characteristics

• Density: 1.07 g/cm³
• Melting point: 45-50 °C
• Flash point: above 230°F
• Solubility in water: 100 g/l
• Vapor pressure: less than 10 hPa at 20 °C
• Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance: about 14.9

Toxicity

• Oral LD50 in rabbit: greater than 38,000 mg/kg

Scope of application

• food industry: emulsifier and stabilizer in confectionery creams and fillings, ice cream, whipped desserts, margarines, sauces; bakery mix improver
• cosmetics: emulsifier of direct emulsions, solubilizer of essential oils and fragrances in aqueous formulations
• pharmaceuticals: solubilization of poorly soluble substances, stabilization of suspensions and emulsions
• textile and technical chemistry: wetting agent, antistatic agent, auxiliary surfactant
• laboratory practice: emulsification and solubilization in aqueous media

Mechanism of action

The oxyethylene chains of the molecule go into the aqueous phase, the stearic residue into the oil phase. The molecule anchors at the interface, reduces interfacial tension and prevents oil droplets from coalescing. An HLB value of about 14.9 determines the direction of the emulsion: the product stabilizes oil-in-water systems. To obtain reverse emulsions, it is combined with lipophilic sorbitan esters, selecting the total HLB of the mixture.

Safety Information

Hazard statements, precautionary measures and transport codes are not provided in the supplier card for this item. The EU number field contains the value “-0”, that is, it is filled in incorrectly. The product is classified as low toxic: the oral LD50 in rabbits exceeds 38,000 mg/kg.

Storage and handling

Storage conditions according to the card: at room temperature. Keep the container closed. Like other polysorbates, the product is hygroscopic and can accumulate peroxides during long-term storage, so long-term storage lots are checked for water content and peroxide value before use. Keep away from strong acids and bases: they cause gradual saponification of the ester bonds.