Polysorbates (Sorbitan Esters) are fatty acid esters of polyoxyethylene sorbitan (ethoxylated derivative of sorbitan). They are widely used as surfactants, emulsifiers, dispersing agents… in various fields such as the textile industry, detergents, paints, cosmetics and food additives…
The distribution of ethoxylated units (distribution) and hydrophobic units is to be directly linked with the surfactant properties and their analysis is possible by UPLC/TOF-MS.