Chemical Name: Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate
Common Name: Tween 65
Chemical Family: Non-ionic surfactant
Physical Appearance: Creamy white or yellowish, waxy solid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Main Uses: Emulsifier in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and lab processes
CAS Number: 9005-71-4
Classification: No significant immediate health hazard under normal conditions in most workplaces
Acute Health Hazards: Mild irritation possible for eyes and skin on repeated or extended direct contact
Chronic Health Hazards: Limited information on long-term exposure
Inhalation Risks: Dust from powder may irritate respiratory tract if inhaled
Ingestion Effects: Generally low toxicity, but large amounts may cause gastrointestinal discomfort
Main Component: Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate
Typical Purity: Over 98% active ingredient
Impurities: Trace levels of unreacted stearic acid and sorbitan derivatives
Physical State: Usually solid or pasty at room temperature, soluble in water and alcohol
Eye Contact: Irrigate with gentle, running water for at least 15 minutes
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and get some rest, seek medical advice if coughing persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to drink if the person is conscious, monitor for any discomfort
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray as appropriate for the surrounding materials
Combustion Hazards: Burning can generate toxic and irritating fumes, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
Firefighter Protection: Use self-contained breathing equipment and protective clothing
Unusual Fire Hazards: Heating above decomposition temperature increases risk of harmful fumes
Spill Response: Wear gloves and protective eyewear, collect solid or absorb spilled liquid using non-combustible absorbent, clean area with detergent and water
Environmental Concerns: Prevent runoff into drains, sewers, or open water
Disposal of Cleanup Materials: Put wastes in suitable labeled containers for disposal as non-hazardous chemical waste
Handling: Wear gloves for frequent handling, avoid touching eyes
Safe Practices: Do not eat or drink while handling, wash hands and face thoroughly after use
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area, store away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers
Incompatibilities: Strong acids and oxidizing agents
Engineering Controls: Use general exhaust ventilation where dust is generated
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, lab coat
Hygiene Advice: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking after exposure
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits in most jurisdictions for this compound
Form: Semi-solid, waxy, or flake
Color: White to yellowish
Melting Point: About 37-43°C
Solubility in Water: Soluble, forms stable emulsions
Boiling Point: Not available, decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Density: Approximately 1.1 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH (1% solution): Near neutral, approximately 5.5-7.5
Flash Point: Not classified as flammable at room temperature
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures over the shelf life
Decomposition: Overheating generates irritating fumes and probable carbon monoxide
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with strong oxidizers or acids with possible generation of heat
Storage Stability: Kept sealed and out of sunlight, will not deteriorate rapidly
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity supported by animal test data
Eye/Skin Effects: Slight irritation, no lasting damage from short-term contact
Ingestion: High quantities may cause nausea or mild diarrhea
Sensitization: No evidence of long-term allergic reaction in general use
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by major health agencies
Aquatic Toxicity: Slow biodegradation in water, low toxicity at predicted environmental levels
Persistence: Persists unless broken down by microbes under certain conditions
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to build up in living organisms in the food chain
Environmental Mobility: Moves with water through the soil due to high solubility
Small Amounts: Flush diluted solutions to drain with large amounts of water, following local regulations
Bulk Disposal: Send to permitted chemical waste treatment or incineration facility
Container Rinsing: Rinse well before recycling or discarding to prevent residues in landfill
UN Number: Not regulated for transport in most countries
Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous or hazardous for ground, air, or sea transport
Special Precautions: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat during shipment
Packing Recommendations: Use leak-proof, labeled containers to prevent spillage and mixing
Labelling: Not considered hazardous under many workplace chemical standards
Inventory Listings: Listed in major national and international chemical inventories
Workplace Controls: No special workplace restrictions for occupational handling
Additional Regulations: Subject to food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical safety assessments by regulatory agencies depending on end use