Polysorbate 81
Synonyms
Tween-81;
PEG-5 Sorbitan oleate;
Polyethylene glycol (5) sorbitan monooleate;
Polyoxyethylene (5) sorbitan monooleate;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
> Polyether
>> Ester Polyether
>>> Ester Polyoxyethylene Ether
>>>> Polyoxyethylene Sugar Alcohol and Dehydrated Sugar Alcohol Esters
Chemical Numbering System
CASRN: 9005-65-6
EINECS: 500-019-9
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: N/A
Molecular Weight: N/A
Structure
Schematic formula:
Properties
Appearance (1), pale yellow to yellow-brown liquid.
Solubility soluble in water (dispersible in water).
Stability stable. Easily oxidized. Under strong acid or strong alkali condition, easily hydrolyzed.
Risk Liquid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS (Rev.10) label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
cat intravenous LDLo |
500mg/kg[1] |
|
dog intravenous LDLo |
500mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
7600mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
4500mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
25000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
6804mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LD50 |
1790mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
34.5mL/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent emulsifying, dispersing, solubilizing, lubricating abilities.
Note (1), The by-product 1,4-dioxane is a possible carcinogen. Generally, can be acceptable when concentration of 1,4-dioxane is less than 30ppm or less.
(2), Be careful with using in children's products.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Liquid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/Kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/Kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as emulsifying agent, dispersing agent.
Use as solubilizing agent.
Use as lubricant.
Use as plasticizer.
2, Personal care products
Emulsifying agent in personal care products.
3, Textile
Antistatic agent, emulsifying agent in fiber, textile, leather.
4, Polymer
Lubricant in plastics.
5, Machinery
Lubricant in metal processing.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 9005-65-6, Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate