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    Related: EL-40 CAS 61791-12-6 Polysorbate 20
    • Castor Oil Ethoxylate EL-40 CAS 61791-12-6
    • Castor Oil Ethoxylate EL-40 CAS 61791-12-6
    • Castor Oil Ethoxylate EL-40 CAS 61791-12-6

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

    Castor Oil Ethoxylate EL-40 (CAS 61791-12-6), known by the INCI name PEG-40 Castor Oil, is a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer derived from nonhydrogenated castor oil. Its nominal ethoxylation level is about 40 mol of ethylene oxide per mol of castor oil; this does not mean 40 units on every branch of one fixed molecule. Grade selection considers acid, hydroxyl and saponification values, water content, physical form and performance in the intended formulation. COA (Certificate of Analysis), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) can be provided for the quoted grade.

    • CAS: 61791-12-6
    • Synonyms: PEG-40 Castor Oil, Polyoxyethylene (40) Castor Oil, Castor Oil Ethoxylate EL-40
    • Molecular Formula: Composition: nonhydrogenated castor-oil ethoxylates, nominal 40 mol EO/mol castor oil; no single fixed molecular formula.
    • Grade: Nominal 40-EO grade; acid, hydroxyl and saponification values, water and application requirements are specified in the quoted TDS and COA.
    • Package: Drum or bulk packaging; container type and net weight are specified in the quotation.
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    Product Description

    1 Identity and physical profile
    2 Quality data for grade qualification
    3 Application and grade comparison
    4 Storage, handling and quotations

    Identity and physical profile

    ItemGrade information
    Product identityEL-40, a nonionic castor-oil ethoxylate; INCI: PEG-40 Castor Oil
    CAS number61791-12-6; this CAS number alone does not distinguish nominal EO grades
    Nominal EO gradeAbout 40 mol of ethylene oxide per mol of castor oil, rather than 40 units on each branch
    CompositionA distribution of ethoxylated glycerides, PEG fatty-acid esters and related glycols; no single fixed molecular formula
    Typical physical formUsually a yellowish viscous liquid or paste; appearance and flow depend on grade and temperature
    Selection parametersAcid value, hydroxyl value, saponification value, water, active matter, color and formulation performance

    Quality data for grade qualification

    Acid, hydroxyl and saponification values describe different free-acid, hydroxyl and ester characteristics. Results are reported in mg KOH/g with the test method; the three values are not interchangeable measures of purity. Water data include the method and mass basis, with Karl Fischer determination where specified. Active matter is a concentration measure, not the purity of one PEG-40 molecule. Color and physical-property data include test conditions; cloud-point comparisons need the solution concentration, medium and method.

    For applications with residual-impurity requirements, test reports for residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane can be provided. An appropriate headspace GC or GC-MS method must be validated for the quoted-grade matrix. Reports identify each analyte, its mass concentration in mg/kg, the method, detection and quantification limits (LOD/LOQ), and the batch or grade basis. These trace-impurity results do not establish a single-peak GC purity for the whole castor-oil ethoxylate mixture.

    Application and grade comparison

    EL-40 is used as an emulsifier and solubilizing aid in suitable textile, agrochemical, metalworking and other technical formulations. Personal-care applications require a grade qualified for the intended use; an INCI name alone is not a market approval. Selection depends on the oil phase or active ingredient, dosage, pH, electrolyte content and process temperature.

    • Evaluate solubilization and clarity with the intended oil-soluble ingredients and complete formulation.
    • Emulsion trials compare stability, viscosity and behavior during temperature cycling.
    • Grades for regulated applications are selected against the applicable impurity limits, manufacturing requirements and target-market documentation.

    Within the castor-oil ethoxylate family, Polyoxyl 35 Castor Oil offers a lower nominal EO grade for comparison. The shared CAS number does not establish identical composition or one-for-one replacement.

    For other nonionic chemistries, Polysorbate 20 and Polysorbate 80 are sorbitan ester ethoxylates, while Poloxamer 188 (F68) is an EO/PO block copolymer. Their chemical structures and formulation behavior differ; suitability and replacement depend on testing in the actual system.

    Storage, handling and quotations

    Store in sealed, compatible containers in a dry, ventilated area away from excessive heat and contamination. Cooling can change viscosity and physical form; that change alone does not demonstrate a quality failure. Conditioning, mixing and sampling temperatures follow the supplied-grade TDS. The SDS covers personal protection, handling, transport and disposal.

    For a bulk quotation, send the product name or CAS number, quantity and destination. A reference specification or intended application helps select the grade. Packaging, net weight and essential analytical requirements are included in the quotation.

    FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

    • Q:

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

      A: No. EL-40 identifies a nominal ethoxylation level of about 40 mol of ethylene oxide per mol of nonhydrogenated castor oil. The product contains a distribution of ethoxylated glycerides, PEG fatty-acid esters and related glycols, rather than 40 EO units on every branch. CAS 61791-12-6 does not define the exact distribution.
    • 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.
    • Q:

      Is EL-40 the same as PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

      A: No. EL-40 is the nonhydrogenated castor-oil ethoxylate described by INCI PEG-40 Castor Oil and CAS 61791-12-6. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil uses a hydrogenated starting material and CAS 61788-85-0. The same nominal EO number does not make the two materials equivalent; formulation behavior and the required grade need separate evaluation.

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