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Autoxidation of polysorbates.

M Donbrow, E Azaz, A Pillersdorf

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

|December 1, 1978

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Polysorbate 20 in water degrades over time through autoxidation and hydrolysis, affecting its properties. This surfactant degradation is accelerated by heat, light, and catalysts, impacting its stability and use.

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Area of Science:

Chemistry
Materials Science

Background:

Aqueous solutions of polysorbate 20 are prone to degradation during storage.
Understanding surfactant stability is crucial for various industrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the autoxidation and hydrolysis of polysorbate 20 in aqueous solutions.
To identify factors accelerating the degradation process.
To assess the implications for surfactant stability and standards.

Main Methods:

Monitoring changes in peroxide number, acidity, pH, surface tension, and cloud point.
Evaluating the effects of light, temperature, and copper sulfate catalyst.
Analyzing the degradation products, including lauric acid.

Main Results:

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Polysorbate 20 exhibited increased peroxide numbers, acidity, and decreased pH, surface tension, and cloud point upon storage.
Degradation was accelerated by light, elevated temperatures, and copper sulfate.
Hydrolysis released lauric acid, with oxyethylene chain shortening observed above 40°C.
Degradation was evident even in unopened commercial samples of polysorbates 20, 40, and 60.

Conclusions:

Hydrolysis significantly impacts polysorbate 20 properties near room temperature.
Oxyethylene chain shortening occurs at higher temperatures, indicating complex degradation pathways.
The inherent instability of polysorbates necessitates attention to their storage, handling, and quality standards.