Polysorbate 20
- Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (IUPAC)
- Poly (oxy -1 ,2- ethanediyl) - monododekansäure - sorbitylester
- Tween 20 ( trade name)
- E 432
Clear to slightly opalescent, yellowish to brownish yellow oily liquid
Liquid
1.11 g · cm -3
> 100 ° C
100 g · l - 1 in water
Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available
Polysorbate 20 is a surfactant used as an emulsifier and wetting agent in food products, cleaning products, as well as in pharmaceutical and biochemical field.
Properties
Polysorbate 20 is a nonionic surfactant and has an HLB value of 16.7 to. It is therefore suitable for the production of oil-in- water emulsions. Polysorbate 20 is stable with respect to electrolyte, and weak acids and bases. Some antibiotics and preservatives can be inhibited in their effect. By the action of oxygen in the air there is on the auto-oxidation of the material. Initially peroxides are formed which react to form aldehydes, carboxylic acids and other decomposition products not determinable (status 1993).
Use
In the food industry, polysorbate 20 is used as an EU food additive with the E number 432 for emulsification, for solubilization and stabilization of foams. It is used in shortenings, ice cream, cakes, biscuits, pastries, sauces and soups, chewing gum, as well as milk and cream substitute products from plant materials.
Polysorbates are also used in animal feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals and are a component of paper coating for offset papers.
In biochemistry, polysorbate 20 is used:
- For the solubilization of membrane proteins,
- Lysis of cells,
- As a detergent in immunoassays (Western blot, ELISA ) to prevent non-specific binding.
Production
In the esterification of sorbitol and of its anhydrides with lauric acid and subsequent reaction with ethylene oxide is produced with a degree of polymerization of polysorbate 20, total
Related substances
Other representatives from the group of polysorbates are about:
- Polysorbate 40
- Polysorbate 60
- Polysorbate 65
- Polysorbate 80