POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 OLEATE (PEG 400 OLEATE)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

Chemical Name: Polyethylene Glycol 400 Oleate, PEG 400 Monooleate, Polyoxyethylene (8) Oleate (approximate EO count)
Synonyms: PEG 400 Oleate, Polyethylene Glycol Monooleate (n≈8-9), PEG Monooleate (MW ~400), PEG-8 Oleate (approximate)
CAS Number: 9004-96-0
EC Number (EINECS): 500-016-2 / 253-134-9
Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₃₈O₅ (representative; actual is polymeric)
Molecular Weight: ~742 g/mol (approximate; depends on degree of polymerization)
Chemical Class: Non-ionic surfactant (ester)
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport

2. Raw Materials: Polyethylene Glycol 400 and Oleic Acid

2.1 Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG 400)

Parameter	Value
CAS Number	25322-68-3
Molecular Formula	HO(C₂H₄O)ₙH
Average molecular weight	380–420 g/mol
Average EO units (n)	8–9
Appearance	Clear, colorless viscous liquid

PEG 400 is produced by polymerization of ethylene oxide with water, monoethylene glycol, or diethylene glycol.

2.2 Oleic Acid

Parameter	Value
CAS Number	112-80-1
Molecular Formula	C₁₈H₃₄O₂
Chain	C18:1 (monounsaturated)
Source	Vegetable oils (olive, sunflower) or tallow

3. Physical Properties

3.1 General Physical Properties

Property	Value
Appearance	Clear to pale yellow to amber viscous liquid
Physical state (20°C)	Liquid (viscous)
Odor	Mild fatty, characteristic odor
Color (APHA)	≤ 100 (yellow to amber)
Density (25°C)	~1.01 g/cm³ (1.00–1.05)
Viscosity (25°C)	200–400 cP (viscous)
Refractive index (nD25)	1.470–1.475
Melting point	Not applicable (liquid at room temperature)
Boiling point	~100°C (decomposes)
Flash point	>200°C (non-flammable)
Vapor pressure	Negligible
HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance)	~11–12 (oil-in-water emulsifier)

3.2 Solubility

Solvent	Solubility
Water	Soluble (dispersible)
Ethanol	Soluble
Isopropanol	Soluble
Mineral oil	Soluble
Vegetable oils	Soluble
Acetone	Soluble
Aliphatic hydrocarbons	Partially soluble
Aromatic hydrocarbons	Soluble

4. Chemical Properties

4.1 Molecular Structure

PEG 400 Oleate is an ester formed by the reaction of:

Polyethylene Glycol 400 (hydrophilic head – polyether chain)
Oleic Acid (hydrophobic tail – C18 unsaturated fatty acid)

Structure: CH₃(CH₂)₇CH=CH(CH₂)₇COO-(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH (where n ≈ 8–9)

4.2 Production Method

Reaction: Oleic acid + PEG 400 → PEG 400 Oleate + H₂O

Process:

Oleic acid and PEG 400 are reacted under heat (150–200°C)
Acid catalyst (e.g., p-toluenesulfonic acid) or enzymatic catalyst may be used
Water is removed to drive reaction to completion
Product is purified, neutralized, and filtered

Typical conversion: >95% esterification

4.3 Key Functional Properties

Property	Description
HLB value	~11–12 – suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions
Surfactant type	Non-ionic – compatible with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants
Emulsification	Excellent for oils, fats, and waxes
Solubilization	Solubilizes essential oils and fragrances
Wetting agent	Reduces surface tension
Dispersant	Stabilizes pigment and particle dispersions
Lubricity	Provides lubricating properties
Humectant	Retains moisture (PEG component)
Biodegradability	Readily biodegradable

5. Quality Specifications

5.1 Typical Specifications (Commercial Grade)

Parameter	Specification	Test Method
Appearance	Clear to pale yellow to amber viscous liquid	Visual
Color (APHA)	≤ 100	Visual
Odor	Mild fatty odor	Organoleptic
Acid value	≤ 3–10 mg KOH/g (depending on grade)	Titration
Saponification value	60–80 mg KOH/g	Titration
Hydroxyl value	50–70 mg KOH/g	Titration
Water content (K. Fischer)	≤ 0.5%	Karl Fischer
pH (5% aqueous solution)	5.0–7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic)	pH meter
Viscosity (25°C)	200–400 cP	Brookfield
Density (25°C)	1.00–1.05 g/cm³	Hydrometer
HLB	11–12	Calculated
Cloud point	Not applicable (soluble)	—
Peroxide value	≤ 5 meq/kg	Titration
Heavy metals (as Pb)	≤ 10 ppm	ICP-OES

5.2 Typical Specifications (Cosmetic Grade)

Parameter	Specification
Purity	≥ 98%
Residual PEG 400	≤ 3%
Residual oleic acid	≤ 2%
Dioxane content (by-product)	≤ 5 ppm (for cosmetic use)
Ethylene oxide (residual)	≤ 1 ppm
Heavy metals	≤ 5 ppm
Microbial limits	≤ 100 CFU/g (total count)
Preservative	None (self-preserving due to low water activity)

6. Industrial Applications

6.1 Cosmetics and Personal Care (Primary Application)

Application	Function	Typical Concentration
Creams and lotions	Emulsifier (O/W), stabilizer	1–5%
Shampoos and conditioners	Emollient, lubricant, detangler	0.5–3%
Facial cleansers	Solubilizer, mild surfactant	1–5%
Body washes	Foam booster, emollient	1–3%
Makeup removers	Solubilizes oils and makeup	2–10%
Sunscreens	Emulsifier, dispersant	1–4%
Hair oils	Lubricant, shine enhancer	0.5–2%
Shaving creams	Lubricant, foam stabilizer	1–3%

Benefits in cosmetics:

Mild to skin (non-ionic, low irritation)
Moisturizing (PEG component retains water)
Enhances product spreadability
Stable across wide pH range (4–9)

6.2 Pharmaceutical Applications

Application	Function	Typical Concentration
Topical creams and ointments	Emulsifier, penetration enhancer	1–10%
Oral liquid formulations	Solubilizer, taste-masking	0.5–5%
Suppositories	Emulsifier, release modifier	1–5%
Transdermal patches	Penetration enhancer	Variable
Vaccine adjuvants	Emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsions	1–5%

6.3 Industrial and Institutional Cleaners

Application	Function	Typical Concentration
Industrial degreasers	Emulsifies oils and greases	1–10%
Metal cleaning	Wetting agent, emulsifier	0.5–5%
Hard surface cleaners	Wetting, soil suspension	0.5–3%
Car wash formulations	Emulsifier, foam booster	1–5%
Engine degreasers	Oil solubilizer	2–10%

6.4 Textile Industry

Application	Function
Fiber lubricant	Reduces friction during processing
Antistatic agent	Reduces static charge
Knitting oils	Lubricant
Dyeing auxiliaries	Dispersant, leveling agent
Fabric softeners	Emulsifier, softener

6.5 Plastic and Polymer Industry

Application	Function
Internal lubricant	Improves melt flow, reduces torque
External lubricant	Mold release agent
Antistatic agent	Reduces surface resistivity
Dispersant for pigments	Improves color distribution
Plasticizer	Increases flexibility (minor use)
Stabilizer	Heat stabilizer co-agent

6.6 Paints, Coatings, and Inks

Application	Function
Pigment dispersant	Stabilizes pigment suspensions
Wetting agent	Improves substrate wetting
Leveling agent	Improves flow and leveling
Defoamer	Reduces foam (at higher concentrations)
Flexographic inks	Solvent for basic dyes

6.7 Food Industry (Limited – Check local regulations)

Application	Function
Emulsifier in processed foods	Oil-in-water emulsifier
Bakery products	Dough conditioner
Beverage emulsions	Flavor oil solubilizer
Dairy analogs	Emulsion stabilizer

Note: Food-grade product required; verify local regulatory approval.

6.8 Agriculture

Application	Function
Pesticide emulsifier	Emulsifies pesticide concentrates
Adjuvant	Improves wetting and penetration
Fertilizer additive	Dispersant

7. Comparison with Other PEG Esters

Property	PEG 400 Oleate	PEG 400 Stearate	PEG 400 Laurate	PEG 400 Dioleate
Fatty acid	Oleic (C18:1)	Stearic (C18:0)	Lauric (C12:0)	Oleic (C18:1)
HLB	~11–12	~11–12	~14–15	~6–8
Form at 20°C	Liquid	Paste/solid	Liquid	Liquid
Unsaturation	Yes	No	No	Yes
Emulsion type	O/W	O/W	O/W	W/O
Primary use	Cosmetics, emulsifier	Creams, lotions	Detergents	W/O emulsifier

8. Safety and Toxicology

8.1 Acute Toxicity

Parameter	Value
Oral LD₅₀ (rat)	>5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit)	>2,000 mg/kg
Skin irritation	Mild irritant (may cause mild irritation with prolonged contact)
Eye irritation	Mild to moderate irritant
Skin sensitization	Generally non-sensitizer
Inhalation	Not expected to be hazardous (low vapor pressure)

8.2 Special Concerns

Concern	Information
Dioxane (1,4-dioxane) contamination	Trace amounts may be present as by-product of ethoxylation; cosmetic grades are purified to ≤5 ppm
Ethylene oxide residue	Residual EO may be present at trace levels (<1 ppm in purified grades)
Biodegradability	Readily biodegradable
Aquatic toxicity	Low to moderate

8.3 GHS Classification (Typical)

Classification	Category
Signal word	None (not classified as hazardous for most grades)
Hazard statements	None (for pure product)
Precautionary statements	P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P332+P313, P337+P313

8.4 Dioxane Concern – Important Note

PEG-based surfactants (including PEG 400 Oleate) may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans).

Regulatory limits:

US FDA: Not specified (but manufacturers use vacuum stripping to reduce levels)
EU Cosmetic Regulation: Not specified, but good manufacturing practices require minimization
Cosmetic grade: Typically ≤5 ppm 1,4-dioxane
Pharmaceutical grade: Typically ≤10 ppm (USP) or as specified

9. GHS Classification

Classification	Category
Signal word	None (not hazardous per CLP for most grades)
Hazard statements	None (under normal conditions)
Precautionary statements	P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P332+P313, P337+P313

10. First Aid Measures

Exposure Route	Action
Eye contact	Rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin contact	Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation	Remove to fresh air (unlikely due to low vapor pressure)
Ingestion	Rinse mouth; do NOT induce vomiting; drink water; seek medical attention if large amount swallowed

11. Environmental Fate

Parameter	Value
Biodegradability	Readily biodegradable (OECD 301)
Aquatic toxicity (fish, LC₅₀, 96 hours)	10–100 mg/L (low to moderate)
Daphnia magna (EC₅₀, 48 hours)	10–100 mg/L
Bioaccumulation	Low potential

12. Storage and Handling

12.1 Handling Precautions

Parameter	Recommendation
Ventilation	Adequate ventilation; no special requirements
Personal hygiene	Wash hands after handling
Spill response	Absorb with inert material; collect in sealed containers

12.2 Storage Conditions

Parameter	Requirement
Temperature	5–40°C (room temperature)
Container	Keep tightly closed in original container (HDPE, stainless steel, or lined steel)
Protect from	Moisture (hygroscopic to some extent), extreme heat, strong oxidizing agents
Environment	Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Shelf life (unopened)	24 months
Shelf life (opened)	12 months (if protected from contamination)

Degradation indicators:

Acid value increase (hydrolysis – free fatty acid formation)
Color darkening
Peroxide value increase (oxidation of oleate double bond)

12.3 Container Materials

Container Type	Suitability
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	Suitable
Polypropylene	Suitable
Stainless steel (304, 316)	Suitable
Glass	Suitable
Carbon steel	Suitable (dry conditions)
Aluminum	Suitable
Copper	Not recommended (may catalyze oxidation)

13. Transport Information

Regulation	Classification
UN Number	Not regulated
ADR/RID	Not classified as dangerous goods
IMDG	Not regulated
IATA	Not regulated
Proper shipping name	Polyethylene glycol oleate (non-hazardous)

14. Synonyms and Common Names

English: PEG 400 Oleate, Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate, PEG-8 Oleate (approx.), Polyoxyethylene (8) Monooleate, PEG 400 Monooleate, Macrogol Oleate
Trade names: Eumulgin O 8, Kessco PEG 400 MO, Lipopeg 400 MO, Nikkol MYO-8, Protachem 400-MO, Tegin O 85, Varonic 400 MO
French: Oléate de polyéthylène glycol 400
German: Polyethylenglykol 400 oleat
Spanish: Oleato de polietilenglicol 400
Turkish: Polietilen Glikol 400 Oleat, PEG 400 Oleat

15. Regulatory Status

Regulation	Status
REACH (EU)	Registered
TSCA (US)	Listed
FDA	Permitted for food contact and as indirect food additive (21 CFR) – specific applications
EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009)	Permitted as emulsifier
RoHS	Compliant

16. Why Choose PEG 400 Oleate?

Advantage	Description
Excellent emulsifier	Forms stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions
Non-ionic surfactant	Compatible with all surfactant types (anionic, cationic, amphoteric)
Wide pH stability	Stable from pH 4–9
Mild to skin	Low irritation potential – suitable for sensitive skin formulations
Moisturizing properties	PEG component acts as humectant
Biodegradable	Environmentally friendly
Low toxicity	Safe for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use
Liquid at room temperature	Easy to handle and incorporate
Versatile	Multiple applications across industries
Good solubilizer	Solubilizes oils, fragrances, and active ingredients

Limitations:

Potential 1,4-dioxane contamination – requires purification for cosmetic/pharmaceutical grades
May cause mild irritation at high concentrations
Oxidation susceptibility – oleate double bond may oxidize over time (add antioxidants for long-term stability)
High viscosity – may require warming for easier handling in cold climates

17. Typical Formulations

17.1 O/W Cream (Cosmetic)

Component	% w/w
PEG 400 Oleate	2.0
Cetearyl alcohol	2.0
Mineral oil	5.0
Glycerin	3.0
Preservative	qs
Water	to 100

17.2 Industrial Degreaser Concentrate

Component	% w/w
PEG 400 Oleate	5.0
Sodium metasilicate	5.0
Sodium carbonate	5.0
Non-ionic surfactant blend	10.0
Water	to 100

18. Storage Stability and Shelf Life

Parameter	Value
Shelf life (unopened)	24 months (proper storage)
Shelf life (opened)	12 months (if protected from contamination)
Storage temperature	5–40°C
Stability	Stable; avoid extreme heat, strong oxidizing agents