Product Overview

Tween 40 For Synthesis (CAS No. 9005-66-7), commonly known as polysorbate 40, is a nonionic polyoxyethylene sorbitan palmitate surfactant produced from sorbitol-derived structures, palmitic acid and polyoxyethylene chains. Its amphiphilic architecture combines a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene region with a lipophilic fatty-acid ester region, enabling micelle formation, wetting, emulsification and dispersion in aqueous and mixed-phase systems.

The Synthesis grade is intended for preparative and surfactant-assisted chemical work where controlled interfacial behaviour can improve contact between otherwise poorly compatible phases or substrates. Tween 40 can be employed in aqueous micellar reaction media to solubilize hydrophobic reactants and create localized reaction environments, and it is also useful in synthesis procedures where a nonionic surfactant serves as a dispersing, templating or structure-directing component. These functions make the grade relevant to preparative chemistry involving heterogeneous, emulsion-based or surfactant-mediated reaction systems.

Typical Applications

• Preparation of aqueous micellar reaction media for organic synthesis
• Surfactant-assisted reactions involving poorly water-soluble organic substrates
• Emulsification of immiscible reactants during preparative laboratory procedures
• Improvement of phase contact in heterogeneous synthetic systems
• Use as a nonionic surfactant in micelle-mediated reaction studies
• Preparation of surfactant-containing sol-gel and templated synthesis systems
• Dispersion and stabilization of hydrophobic components during preparative formulation work

Common Synonyms

• Polysorbate 40
• Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate
• Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monopalmitate
• Polyethylene Glycol Sorbitan Monopalmitate
• POE (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate

Storage Conditions

Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place, protected from light and excessive heat. Minimize prolonged exposure to air during storage, as polyoxyethylene-containing polysorbates can undergo gradual oxidative degradation and peroxide formation.