BY-160 (CAS 61791-12-6), also called PEG-60 castor oil or polyoxyethylene (60) castor oil, is a nonionic, variable-composition reaction product of castor oil and ethylene oxide with a nominal average of about 60 EO units. It is used for oil-in-water emulsification, solubilisation and dispersion in cleaning, textile and agrochemical formulations. Grade selection is based on the nominal EO level, hydroxyl value, saponification value, acid value, water content and appearance. COA, TDS and SDS are available for specification and handling information.
BY-160 / PEG-60 Castor Oil CAS 61791-12-6
- CAS: 61791-12-6
- Synonyms: BY-160; PEG-60 castor oil; Polyoxyethylene (60) castor oil; Castor oil ethoxylate 60EO
- Einecs: 500-151-7
- Molecular Formula: Castor-oil-derived ethoxylate mixture with nominal average ≈60 EO for this commercial grade; distribution of glyceride-, ricinoleate- and PEG-derived species. No single exact molecular formula.
- Grade: Specified by nominal EO, hydroxyl value, saponification value, acid value, water and appearance; see the current TDS and COA.
- Package: Drums or bulk; confirm container, liner, net weight and handling for your order and destination.
Product Description
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chemical identity | Castor oil, ethoxylated; commercial PEG-60 castor oil grade |
| Nominal ethoxylation | About 60 EO for BY-160 / PEG-60 |
| Appearance | Supplier specification at the stated temperature; may vary with grade and temperature |
| Hydroxyl / saponification / acid values | Current COA/TDS with the applicable test methods |
| Active matter / water | Batch COA specification |
Applications
Used in oil-in-water emulsification, solubilisation, dispersion and process formulations, including cleaning, textile and agrochemical systems. Determine dosage and stability in the complete formulation. Cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical use requires a specifically qualified grade.
Storage
Keep sealed in the original container in a dry, ventilated area at the temperature stated in the current TDS/SDS. Protect from contamination, moisture, heat and incompatible materials; condition a viscous or pasty product only as instructed by the supplier.
Safety / Regulatory
Review the current SDS before handling and apply the required controls and PPE. PEG-60 castor oil is not an alkylphenol ethoxylate by chemical identity; confirm APEO-free status with a supplier declaration. Do not transfer regulatory or safety claims from hydrogenated or pharmaceutical grades.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
Does BY-160 / PEG-60 Castor Oil represent one discrete molecule?
A: No. PEG-60 Castor Oil is an ethoxylated castor-oil composition, not a single molecule. “60” is a nominal ethylene-oxide addition level and the material retains a distribution derived from castor oil. Confirm the offered grade’s specified EO level, hydroxyl value, saponification value, water, appearance and stated methods. -
Q:
Can PEG-60 Castor Oil be substituted with PEG-35 Castor Oil or a hydrogenated castor-oil ethoxylate?
A: Not automatically. These materials can have different nominal EO levels, source oils, physical forms and specification profiles even where related names or CAS references occur. Compare the agreed grade definition and the intended system’s response, including solubilisation, emulsification, cloud point and phase behaviour, before replacement. -
Q:
Does the name PEG-60 Castor Oil establish a controlled or compendial grade?
A: No. A generic name and CAS reference do not confirm compliance with a named monograph or destination-specific requirement. Identify the intended use and standard first, then review the actual grade’s specification, documentary status and batch data. Suitability remains specific to the finished formulation and market.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
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Quotation
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Sample & Supply
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Storage & Shipping
Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.





