Does EL-40 describe one fixed molecule or exact castor-oil ethoxylate composition?

No. EL-40 denotes a commercial grade with about 40 EO units on average. The reaction product contains a distribution of ethoxylated glycerides, PEG ricinoleates, and related components; CAS 61791-12-6 does not define the exact composition.

Can EL-40 be exchanged with PEG-35 or PEG-60 Castor Oil because they share a CAS family?

No. Different nominal ethoxylation levels can affect physical form, hydrophilic balance, and formulation behavior. For replacement, compare the offered specification and evaluate solubilization, clarity, phase stability, and compatibility in the actual system.

Castor Oil Ethoxylate EL-40 CAS 61791-12-6

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 is a nonionic castor-oil ethoxylate grade targeting a nominal average of about 40 ethylene oxide units. It is identified by CAS No. 61791-12-6 and EC No. 500-151-7 . The material is a reaction-product distribution and has no single fixed molecular formula. EL-40 is commonly evaluated as an emulsifier and solubilizing aid in industrial and technical formulations. Buyers should confirm acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, water, appearance, cloud behavior and application performance on the current specification and COA.

CAS: 61791-12-6
Synonyms: Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether, EL-40, Castor Oil Ethoxylate, Nonionic Emulsifier
Einecs: 500-151-7
Grade: Confirm the nominal EO or PO level, feedstock range, active matter, water, physical form and relevant analytical values against the current TDS and COA.
Package: State required quantity, physical form and destination; confirm the current bag or container, liner, net weight, temperature handling and transport requirements before quotation.

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Product Description

1 Physicochemical profile

2 Application and grade selection

3 Storage and handling

4 Safety and supply documentation

Physicochemical profile

Item	Technical guidance
Product identity	Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40; a nonionic castor-oil ethoxylate with nominal average near 40 EO units
CAS / EC	61791-12-6 / 500-151-7
Composition	Reaction-product distribution derived from castor oil; it is not hydrogenated castor oil and has no single fixed molecular formula
Typical physical form	Yellow to brown viscous liquid, paste or semi-solid depending on grade and temperature
Key quality controls	Acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value, water, appearance and supplier-defined cloud or dispersion behavior
Grade qualification	Emulsification and solubilization must be tested with the intended oil phase, active ingredients, pH, electrolyte level and process temperature

Application and grade selection

EL-40 is commonly evaluated as an emulsifier and solubilizing aid in industrial, textile, agrochemical, metalworking and technical formulations. It should not be confused with PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil or assumed to meet pharmaceutical or personal-care requirements without grade-specific documentation.

Compare acid, saponification and hydroxyl values when qualifying material from a second source.
Test clarity, dispersion, emulsion stability, viscosity and temperature cycling in the complete formulation.
For any regulated use, confirm manufacturing controls, impurity limits and market documentation for the exact supplied grade.

Storage and handling

Keep containers closed in a cool, dry and ventilated location away from excessive heat. Viscosity and physical form can change at lower temperature; condition and mix the product only within the supplier’s recommended temperature range before sampling or transfer.

Safety and supply documentation

Use the current SDS for personal protection, thermal hazards, spill response, transport and disposal. Do not copy intravenous-toxicity data or a toxic-substance classification from another castor-oil derivative or grade.

For procurement, state the EL-40 grade, application, analytical limits, performance criteria, quantity, destination, package and required COA, TDS and SDS.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Does EL-40 describe one fixed molecule or exact castor-oil ethoxylate composition?

A: No. EL-40 denotes a commercial grade with about 40 EO units on average. The reaction product contains a distribution of ethoxylated glycerides, PEG ricinoleates, and related components; CAS 61791-12-6 does not define the exact composition.
Q:
Can EL-40 be exchanged with PEG-35 or PEG-60 Castor Oil because they share a CAS family?

A: No. Different nominal ethoxylation levels can affect physical form, hydrophilic balance, and formulation behavior. For replacement, compare the offered specification and evaluate solubilization, clarity, phase stability, and compatibility in the actual system.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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