PEG-35 Castor Oil
Pharcos CE 35
Also known as: Polyoxyl 35 Castor Oil | Polyoxyethylene 35 Castor Oil | Castor Oil Ethoxylate 35
Pharcos CE 35 is synthesized via the ethoxylation of unhydrogenated castor oil with 35 moles of ethylene oxide. It is an incredibly effective solubilizing agent, heavily relied upon in personal care to dissolve volatile essential oils and lipid-soluble vitamins into clear aqueous systems (like toners and bath oils). Industrially, its strong emulsification power makes it a primary component in agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) and textile spin finishes.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Solubilizers
- Grade:
- Liquid
- CAS Number:
- 61791-12-6
Key Applications
- Essential Oil Solubilizer
- Emulsion Concentrates (EC)
- Textile Lubricant
- Bath Oils
How It Works
With an HLB of approximately 12.5, PEG-35 Castor Oil sits squarely in the optimal solubilization range.
The unhydrogenated castor oil core retains its native ricinoleic acid double-bonds and hydroxyl groups. The 35 PEG chains branch outward, forming a massive, dense hydrophilic shell around the lipophilic core. In water, these molecules spontaneously form large, rigid micelles. Hydrophobic materials (like fragrance oils or pesticide actives) are aggressively drawn into the lipophilic center of the micelle. The enormous bulk of the surrounding PEG chains sterically stabilizes the entire structure, allowing the oil to remain permanently, microscopically suspended (solubilized) within the water base without causing cloudiness or phase separation.
Technical Information
Common questions about PEG-35 Castor Oil
PEG-35 is made from unhydrogenated castor oil, making it an excellent, robust solubilizer, but the retained double bonds can technically oxidize over long periods. Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) has saturated tails, meaning it is more chemically stable, has a lighter color, and significantly less odor natively.
No, it is a non-ionic liquid surfactant and generally does not build significant viscosity in aqueous solutions on its own.
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