Polysorbates and Sorbitan Esters

Formula NA

Others

Tween/Span systems are widely used to set

the required HLB of emulsion phases. See
ICI HLB Book.

Content

Chemical description and structures

Synonyms HLB values

Sorbitol esters, polyoxyalkylene polyol

esters, anhydrohexitol esters

Commercial names

Tween, Span

Charge

Non-ionic

Supplied as

100%

Incompatibility

Cationics

pH stability

Great, Higher than sulfated analogs, pH 1-

14

Uses/properties

Emulsifyer

Similar/related products

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Data
Chemical description and structure

# Tween Span
20 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate Sorbitan monolaurate
40 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate sorbitan monopalmitate
60 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate sorbitan monostearate
80 Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate Sorbitan monoleate

Tween 20 Span 20
65 Polyoxyethylenesorbitan Tristearate Sorbitan tristearate
85 Polyoxyethylenesorbitan Trioleate Sorbitan trioleate

Tween 85

Span 85

HLB Values of sorbitan ester and polysorbate

Chemistry and technology of surfactant p148.

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