Tween 80, also known as Polysorbate 80 and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, is a nonionic surfactant used as an emulsifying, solubilizing, wetting, and dispersing agent in laboratory formulation work.
Synonyms: Polysorbate 80; Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate.
Polysorbate 80 is a chemically complex mixture of partial fatty acid esters of ethoxylated sorbitol and its anhydrides, with oleic acid as the principal fatty acid. Its nonionic character makes it useful in liquid systems where surfactant performance is required without introducing an ionic detergent.
This product may be evaluated in pharmaceutical formulation research and other laboratory workflows involving emulsification, solubilization, wetting, or dispersion. For cell-culture, USP/NF, compendial, sterile, low-peroxide, or regulated applications, contact Polysciences to confirm the appropriate product grade and supporting documentation.
Key Properties
- Nonionic surfactant and emulsifier
- Also known as Polysorbate 80
- CAS number 9005-65-6
- Clear yellow to amber liquid
- Refractive index: 1.472
- Melting point: -25°C
- Product number 14561
Applications
Emulsification
Commonly used as a surfactant in formulation studies where oil and aqueous components must be dispersed into a more uniform system.
Solubilization
May be used to improve the dispersion or apparent solubility of hydrophobic ingredients in liquid laboratory formulations.
Wetting & Dispersion
Its surface-active properties make it useful in workflows that require improved wetting or dispersion of formulation components.
Pharmaceutical Formulation Research
Polysorbate 80 is commonly used as an emulsifying, solubilizing, and wetting agent in pharmaceutical formulation development. Confirm the required grade, specifications, and documentation before use in regulated or manufacturing applications.
Compatibility & Formulation Considerations
- Nonionic surfactant suitable for evaluation in liquid formulation systems
- Performance depends on concentration, formulation composition, temperature, and processing conditions
- Compatibility and stability should be evaluated with all formulation components
- Confirm final-use specifications before regulated or manufacturing applications
The appropriate concentration and processing conditions depend on the formulation and required performance. Laboratories should establish and validate application-specific conditions.
Application Tips
- Add incrementally while mixing to support uniform incorporation
- Determine the appropriate concentration experimentally for each formulation
- Minimize unnecessary aeration or foaming during mixing
- Document formulation conditions and product lot information for reproducibility
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Keep the container securely closed when not in use
- Use clean dispensing tools to minimize contamination
- Follow institutional chemical hygiene and product-specific safety procedures
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FAQ
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1. What is Tween 80?
Tween 80, also known as Polysorbate 80, is a nonionic surfactant used for emulsification, solubilization, wetting, and dispersion in laboratory formulation work.
2. What is Tween 80 commonly used for?
It is commonly evaluated in liquid formulations where a nonionic surfactant is needed to emulsify, solubilize, wet, or disperse formulation components.
3. Is product 14561 suitable for cell culture?
Product 14561 is intended for general surfactant and formulation applications. For cell-culture workflows, use Tween 80 product 14564 or contact Polysciences to confirm the appropriate grade for your application.
4. Is this product USP/NF or pharmaceutical grade?
For applications requiring USP/NF, compendial, or pharmaceutical-grade material, contact Polysciences to confirm the appropriate product and supporting documentation.
5. What concentration of Tween 80 should be used?
The appropriate concentration depends on the formulation, ingredients, processing conditions, and required performance. Concentration should be established through formulation-specific testing.
Safety & Documentation
Follow standard laboratory chemical hygiene practices and use appropriate personal protective equipment. Request and review the applicable product documentation from Polysciences before use, particularly when grade, purity, sterility, peroxide, cell-culture suitability, or regulatory requirements are important to the application.
