Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester (TWEEN)

Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester (TWEEN) are a family of synthetic nonionic surfactants commonly referred to as polysorbates (e.g., polysorbates 20, 40, 60, and 80). They are obtained from the addition of ethylene oxide to the polymerization of sorbide esters. The fatty acid components of the most common polysorbates (i.e., polysorbates 20, 60, and 80) are laurate, stearate, and oleate, respectively. Polysorbate is supplied as an oily, yellowish to brown viscous liquid.