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Polioksietilen (20) Sorbitan Monolaurat is a yellow-amber colored, viscous liquid organic compound obtained by the reaction of sorbitan esters ethoxylated with lauric acid, used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and surfactant in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 is a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant raw material with a very high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), known by the code E 432 in food additive coding systems and commercially as Polyoxyethylene 20 Sorbitan Monolaurate.
Polioksietilen (20) Sorbitan Monolaurat undertakes a critical role in creating oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, stabilizing essential oils and fat-soluble vitamins in aqueous phases, and preventing phase separation in liquid food systems.
E 432 is a functional food and chemical component added to formulations in order to extend the shelf life of products, preserve their textural stability, and ensure a homogeneous distribution by lowering the surface tension between immiscible phases.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 molecules stably bind water and oil phases together thanks to the strong hydrophilic head structure provided by ethoxylated polyoxyethylene chains and the lauric acid-derived lipophilic tail structure.
E 432 Polysorbate 20-containing food, cosmetic, and medical products acquire low surface tension, high clarity, superior emulsion stability, and a smooth texture.
Sorbitan Monolaurate Ethoxylated is widely preferred as a solubilizer, particularly in the preparation of flavoring agents, essential oils, and water-insoluble active ingredients as clear solutions.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 is a safe emulsifier component complying with industrial standards, maintaining its stability across wide pH and temperature ranges, with high foam-regulating and wetting properties.
Polioksietilen (20) Sorbitan Monolaurat is one of the fundamental polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters produced at high purity and presented to the global market in accordance with food codices and pharmaceutical standards.
WHAT IS E 432 POLYSORBATE 20?
Sorbitan Monolaurate Ethoxylated is a non-ionic surfactant known in the food and chemical industry under the names E 432 Polysorbate 20, Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate, PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate, or E 432 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate.
Polioksietilen (20) Sorbitan Monolaurat is commercially presented to the market in a clear, yellow to amber-colored, fluid oily liquid form with a distinct light characteristic odor.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 quality is determined according to specific control parameters such as purity degree, hydroxyl value, saponification value, acid value, water amount, and ethylene oxide residue.
Polioksietilen (20) Sorbitan Monolaurat exhibits excellent performance, particularly in emulsions with a high water ratio, thanks to its high HLB (approximately 16.7) value.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 also finds a wide usage area as a solubilizer and foam stabilizing agent in personal care products, shampoos, facial cleansing gels, wet wipe solutions, and pharmaceutical syrups.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 effectively prevents precipitation and phase separation in aqueous solutions thanks to the polyethylene glycol chains in its molecular structure.
COMMON PRODUCT AND CHEMICAL NAMES:
E 432 Polysorbate 20
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate
PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate
Polioksietilen (20) Sorbitan Monolaurat
Polisorbat 20
E 432
Sorbitan Monolaurate Ethoxylated
E 432 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate
CAS NO, EC / EINECS NO AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION
Product name: E 432 Polysorbate 20 / E 432 Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaurate
Food Code: E 432
Chemical name: Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate
Molecular formula: C₅₈H₁₁₄O₂₆ (Average polyethoxylated structure)
Molecular weight: Approximately 1227 g/mol (Average)
CAS No: 9005-64-5
EC / EINECS No: 500-018-3
Chemical class: Non-Ionic Surfactant / Ethoxylated Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester
Main functions: Food emulsifier, solubilizer, foam regulator, wetting agent, clarifying agent, phase stabilizer
E 432 Polysorbate 20 is a complex non-ionic structure formed by reacting sorbitan esters, which are derivatives of sorbitol, with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide and esterifying them with lauric acid.
PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate has CAS No 9005-64-5 and EC No 500-018-3 registered in international food and chemical inventories.
Sorbitan Monolaurate Ethoxylated purity and heavy metal limits in food and pharmaceutical grades are controlled by strict legal standards.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
E 432 Polysorbate 20 is generally a clear, yellow-amber colored viscous liquid.
Physical appearance: Yellow to amber-colored viscous liquid
HLB Value: Approximately 16.7 (Highly hydrophilic)
Density: Approximately 1.08 - 1.11 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Solubility in water: Fully soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol; sparingly soluble in mineral oils and vegetable oils
Flash point: > 140 °C (Closed cup)
Viscosity: Approximately 300 - 500 mPa.s (cP) at 25 °C
pH (5% aqueous solution): Approximately 5.5 - 7.0 (Neutral / slightly acidic character)
HOW DOES E 432 POLYSORBATE 20 WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?
PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate binds to water molecules via hydrogen bonds with the polyoxyethylene chains in its structure.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 molecules form micelle structures holding hydrophobic substances (oils, flavors, vitamins) at their core by attaching to them via the lauric acid chain.
E 432 presence ensures that oil droplets are dispersed at the micro or nano level and transparent solutions are formed by lowering the water-oil interfacial tension.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 maintains its stability without being affected by ionic substances and hard water since it does not carry an electrical charge.
WHICH INDUSTRIES IS IT USED IN?
Food industry (sauces, flavors, liquid supplements, confectionery, and beverages)
Pharmaceutical and medical preparations (syrups, drops, vaccines, and cream formulations)
Cosmetic and personal care sector (tonics, shampoos, cleansing wipes, perfumes)
Laboratory and biochemistry applications (cell lysis buffers, ELISA assays)
Agricultural chemicals (foliar fertilizers and pesticide emulsions)
Textile and industrial cleaning products
THINGS TO CONSIDER DURING USE
PEG-20 Sorbitan Monolaurate maximum dosage limits specified in relevant food regulations (TGK, EFSA, FDA) must be complied with when used in food products.
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate should be stored in cool, dry, and ventilated environments, away from direct sunlight, in tightly closed containers during storage.
E 432 Polysorbate 20 direct contact with the eyes should be avoided as it may cause mild irritation, and in case of contact, it should be washed with plenty of water.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
E 432 Polysorbate 20 is a reliable emulsifier used in many sectors from food to cosmetics with its high HLB value, excellent solubilizing power, and non-ionic structure.
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate is one of the indispensable bridge components of modern formulations with its ability to form clear solutions and stable micelle structure.
ADVANTAGES COMPARED WITH ALTERNATIVE EMULSIFIERS
E 432 Polysorbate 20 may offer several advantages over alternative emulsifiers and surfactants in suitable formulations.
High HLB Value: Its high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value, approximately 16.7, can help form and stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
Water Compatibility and Solubilizing Capacity: Its ability to disperse readily in aqueous systems and support the solubilization of certain oil-soluble ingredients can facilitate the preparation of clear or homogeneous formulations.
Non-Ionic Structure: Its electrically uncharged structure may offer advantages when used alongside many ionic ingredients. However, compatibility depends on the complete formulation and the ingredients involved.
Formulation Flexibility: Subject to applicable regulations and product requirements, it can be considered as an emulsifier or solubilizer in food, cosmetics, personal care, and certain pharmaceutical applications.
Support for Phase Stability: At an appropriate concentration, it can reduce interfacial tension between oil and water phases, helping disperse oil droplets and support emulsion stability.
Wetting and Dispersion Properties: Its surfactant properties may improve wetting, ingredient distribution, and formulation homogeneity in certain applications.
LIMITATIONS COMPARED WITH ALTERNATIVES
Formulation-Dependent Performance: The performance of Polysorbate 20 depends on concentration, oil-phase composition, pH, temperature, and compatibility with other ingredients.
The same results should not be expected in every formulation.
Solubilization Is Not Identical for All Oils: Different oils, essential oils, and oil-soluble active ingredients have different solubilization requirements.
Experimental optimization of the ingredient ratio may be necessary to achieve the required clarity and stability.
Foam Formation: Its surfactant properties may influence foam generation or foam stability in some applications.
Formulation and process conditions should be evaluated when foam is undesirable.
Temperature and Storage Conditions: Prolonged storage, high temperatures, or unsuitable conditions may affect the product's appearance and performance.
The manufacturer's technical specifications and Safety Data Sheet should be followed.
Regulatory Compliance: Permitted applications and use levels may differ between food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products.
Current regulations in the relevant country and the intended use of the product should be checked before application.
Quality and Purity Requirements: For food and pharmaceutical grades, purity, relevant impurities, and manufacturer specifications must be considered.
A commercial grade suitable for one application should not automatically be considered suitable for another.
CONTACT ATAMAN KIMYA
For further information, technical specifications, product quality details, and supply inquiries regarding E 432 Polysorbate 20, please contact Ataman Kimya.
