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Description
PEG 400 Monooleate is a nonionic surfactant synthesized through the esterification of polyethylene glycol 400 with oleic acid. It is widely used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting agent, dispersing agent, and lubricant in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, textile, agricultural, and industrial formulations. Due to its amphiphilic molecular structure, PEG 400 Monooleate effectively reduces surface tension, allowing oil and water phases to form stable emulsions. The compound exhibits excellent compatibility with numerous ingredients and demonstrates outstanding stability under a wide range of formulation conditions.
CAS Number
9004-98-2
Synonyms
• Polyethylene Glycol 400 Monooleate
• PEG-400 Oleate
• Polyoxyethylene (8) Oleate
• Ethoxylated Oleic Acid Ester
• Oleic Acid PEG-400 Ester
• PEG Oleate
• Polyoxyethylene Oleate
Physical and Chemical Properties
PEG 400 Monooleate is generally supplied as a viscous yellow to amber liquid with a mild fatty odor. The material possesses excellent emulsifying capability because its hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chain and lipophilic oleate group allow it to stabilize oil-water interfaces. It is soluble or dispersible in water depending on the degree of ethoxylation and is readily soluble in alcohols and numerous organic solvents. The material has relatively low volatility and exhibits good thermal stability under normal processing temperatures.
Its viscosity varies depending on molecular weight distribution, while its density generally ranges between 1.0 and 1.1 g/cm³ at room temperature. The compound has a relatively high boiling point due to its polymeric nature and does not possess a sharp melting point.
Manufacturing Process
PEG 400 Monooleate is manufactured through esterification of polyethylene glycol 400 with purified oleic acid under controlled temperature and catalytic conditions. Excess water generated during the reaction is continuously removed to maximize ester formation. The crude product is subsequently purified through filtration and vacuum treatment to eliminate residual reactants and catalyst residues.
Applications
PEG 400 Monooleate is extensively utilized in numerous industrial sectors.
• Cosmetic emulsions
• Moisturizing creams
• Hair conditioners
• Pharmaceutical ointments
• Drug delivery systems
• Agricultural emulsifiable concentrates
• Textile processing
• Metalworking fluids
• Industrial lubricants
• Cleaning products
• Paint formulations
• Pigment dispersions
Its multifunctional behavior makes it particularly valuable where emulsification, lubrication, and dispersion are simultaneously required.
Advantages
PEG 400 Monooleate provides excellent emulsion stability while maintaining low toxicity. It demonstrates good compatibility with ionic and nonionic ingredients and performs effectively across a wide pH range. The material also improves product spreadability, enhances wetting efficiency, and contributes to improved formulation stability during storage.
Limitations
Although highly versatile, prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures may gradually induce oxidative degradation of the oleate chain. Strong oxidizing agents should therefore be avoided. Excessive concentrations may also increase foaming in certain formulations.
Stability
Under recommended storage conditions, PEG 400 Monooleate remains chemically stable for extended periods. The material should be protected from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and prolonged exposure to atmospheric oxygen to minimize oxidation.
Solubility
PEG 400 Monooleate exhibits partial to complete water dispersibility depending on formulation parameters and is soluble in ethanol, isopropanol, glycols, and numerous organic solvents. It demonstrates excellent compatibility with vegetable oils and many synthetic esters.
