Surfactants
REACH
Polysorbate 85
CAS Number
9005-70-3
EC Number
500-020-4
What is Polysorbate 85?
Polysorbate 85 (CAS 9005-70-3) is a polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol esterified with three oleic acid chains and ethoxylated to improve water dispersibility.
Where is Polysorbate 85 used?
- Personal care: emulsifier for high-lipid formulations such as body oils, hair conditioners and oil-in-water creams
- Personal care: lipophilic emulsifier anchoring fatty phases in viscous products
- Textile and leather processing: fiber lubricant and dispersant
- Industrial and institutional cleaning: solubilizer of mineral oils and hydrocarbon soils in aqueous systems
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing: oil-based topical carriers and veterinary formulations
- It functions as an emulsifier, dispersant and solubilizer in oil-rich systems.
Commercial specifications
- Bulk supply in drums or IBC containers
Other Names (Synonyms)
Sorbitan, tri-(9Z)-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.|Sorbitan, trioleate, polyoxyethylene derivs.|Sorbitan, tri-9-octadecenoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs., (Z,Z,Z)-|TO 55|TO 65|Polyethylene glycol sorbitan trioleate|Tween 85|Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Trioleate.
What are the physical properties of Polysorbate 85?
Melting Point -20 °C
Boiling Point 100 °C
Density 1.028 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point >230 °F
Appearance Amber liquid
Color Light yellow to Brown
Form viscous liquid
Vapor Pressure <1 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.473
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Polysorbate 85?
HS Code 34021300
Storage Class 10 - Combustible liquids
WGK (Germany) 1