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Tween 60 (Polysorbate 60)
Tween 60, or Polysorbate 60, is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier synthesized from sorbitan monostearate and ethylene oxide. It is part of the polysorbate family and is used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. It appears as a yellowish, viscous liquid or waxy paste at room temperature. Known for its high Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB), Tween 60 is ideal for solubilizing fats, oils, and vitamins in aqueous solutions and enhancing product texture and shelf life.
Primary Uses
Food Industry:
Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in baked goods, non-dairy creamers, whipped toppings, sauces, and desserts.
Improves texture and moisture retention in cakes, breads, and frostings.
Aids in fat dispersion and prevents separation in margarine and processed foods.
Helps maintain foam structure in beverages and toppings.
Cosmetics and Personal Care:
Functions as an emulsifier and dispersant in creams, lotions, body butters, and hair conditioners.
Enhances spreadability and skin feel in oil-in-water emulsions.
Solubilizes essential oils and active ingredients in formulations like facial cleansers and serums.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Used as a solubilizing agent in topical and oral drug formulations.
Included in injectable emulsions and vaccine stabilizers to ensure uniform dispersion of lipophilic compounds.
Assists in controlled release and improved bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
Nutraceuticals & Supplements:
Used in soft gels and liquid supplements to emulsify fat-soluble vitamins and extracts.
Secondary Uses
Industrial Cleaners:
Functions as a non-ionic surfactant in specialty cleaners for oil and grease removal.
Textile Industry:
Acts as a wetting agent and emulsifier during dyeing and finishing processes.
Agriculture:
Used in pesticide emulsions and foliar spray formulations to improve wetting and spreading on leaves.
Paints and Coatings:
Serves as a dispersing agent for pigments and resins in water-based paints.
Laboratory Use:
Applied in biological assays and buffers as a solubilizing agent for hydrophobic substances.
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate
Common/Trade Name: Tween 60, Polysorbate 60
CAS Number: 9005-67-8
HS Code: 3402.13.00
Synonyms: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, PEG-20 sorbitan stearate
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Waxy solid or thick liquid (depending on temperature)
Color & Odor: Yellow to amber; mild fatty odor
Melting Point: ~45–50 °C
Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol; insoluble in oils
pH (1% solution): 5.0–7.0
HLB Value: ~14.9 (highly hydrophilic)
Density: ~1.07 g/cm³
Viscosity: High at room temperature
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Toxicity: Low toxicity; safe under approved concentrations in food, cosmetics, and pharma
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits
Irritation: Minimal; may cause mild eye or skin irritation in concentrated form
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and moisture
Container Type: HDPE drums or food-grade packaging
Shelf Life: 24 months in sealed containers
Handling Precautions: Avoid contamination and exposure to strong oxidizing agents
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Approved by FDA, EFSA, and JECFA for food use
Listed in USP, BP, and EP for pharmaceutical applications
Permitted in COSMOS and ECOCERT certified cosmetic formulations
Compliant with REACH, TSCA, and GMP guidelines
GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) when used within recommended levels
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental hazard
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
PPE Required: Gloves and eye protection for industrial-scale handling
Handling Guidelines: Use in a well-ventilated area; avoid prolonged contact
Storage Measures: Keep container tightly closed; avoid freezing
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if mist is inhaled in high concentrations
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water; seek medical advice if irritation continues
Ingestion: Non-toxic in small amounts; consult a physician if large quantities are ingested
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
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Methylene Glycol
Product Description
Methylene Glycol is a chemical compound formed by the reversible reaction of formaldehyde with water. It exists in equilibrium with formaldehyde in aqueous solutions and is commonly used as a disinfectant, preservative, and industrial biocide. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it is widely applied in water treatment, cosmetics, and embalming fluids.
