Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-12 (CAS No.: 61791-12-6) has a molecular formula of C57H104O9(C2H4O)n (n≈12), an average molecular weight of about 1460, and appears as a light yellow to yellow transparent oily liquid. It is a nonionic surfactant with excellent chemical stability, maintaining stable surface activity in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media, and has low hygroscopicity. This product is derived from natural castor oil raw materials through an addition polymerization process, exhibiting mild and low-irritation characteristics.
From surface activity parameters, the HLB value of EL-12 is 6.8, indicating relatively strong lipophilicity, making it suitable for use as a water-in-oil (W/O) or auxiliary oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier. Its 1% aqueous solution has a cloud point of 50~60°C, surface tension of approximately 32~35 mN/m, and critical micelle concentration (CMC) in the range of about 1×10⁻⁴ to 5×10⁻⁴ mol/L, demonstrating excellent interfacial tension reduction capability. The foam characteristic is low foam, meaning it is less prone to foam interference in practical applications.
In terms of solubility and physicochemical tolerance, this product is easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, and is dispersed rather than completely dissolved in water. It has a high effective content (≥99%), acid value ≤1.0, saponification value 105~125 mgKOH/g, hydroxyl value 75~90 mgKOH/g, moisture content ≤0.5%, and free alcohol content ≤2.0%, indicating high purity, low by-products, and stable and reliable quality.
| Parameter Item | Index or Value | Test Condition/Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | PEG-12 Castor Oil | CAS No.: 61791-12-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C57H104O9(C2H4O)n, n≈12 | — |
| Average Molecular Weight | ~1460 | — |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow transparent oily liquid | 25°C visual inspection |
| Ion Type | Nonionic | — |
| HLB Value | 6.8 | — |
| Cloud Point | 50~60°C | 1% aqueous solution |
| Effective Content | ≥99% | Solid content |
| pH Value | 5.0~7.0 | 1% and 5% aqueous solution |
| Density | 1.00~1.05 g/cm³ | 25°C |
| Acid Value | ≤1.0 mgKOH/g | — |
| Saponification Value | 105~125 mgKOH/g | — |
| Hydroxyl Value | 75~90 mgKOH/g | — |
| Iodine Value | 45~55 gI₂/100g | — |
| Moisture | ≤0.5% | — |
| Free Alcohol | ≤2.0% | — |
| Kinematic Viscosity | Approx. 300~500 mm²/s | 25°C |
| Low Shear Viscosity | Approx. 300~500 mPa·s | 25°C |
| Refractive Index | Approx. 1.470~1.475 | 25°C |
| Surface Tension | Approx. 32~35 mN/m | 1% aqueous solution |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approx. 1×10⁻⁴ ~ 5×10⁻⁴ mol/L | — |
| Flash Point | >150°C | Open cup method |
| Solidification Point | < -10°C | — |
| Foam Characteristic | Low foam | — |
| Unsaturation | Approx. 1.8~2.2 mol/kg | Estimated from iodine value |
| Chemical Stability | Resistant to acid and alkali | Stable under general conditions |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, dispersible in water | — |
| Heavy Metal Content | ≤10 mg/kg | — |
| Arsenic Content | ≤2 mg/kg | — |
| Packaging Specification | 50kg plastic drum, 200kg plastic drum, IBC tote | National standard packaging |
Since the HLB value of EL-12 is 6.8, with relatively strong lipophilicity, it is recommended for use in formulations requiring a low HLB emulsifier, such as emulsifiable concentrate (EC) pesticide formulations, water-in-oil creams, and metalworking emulsifying oils. In personal care products, it can be compounded with high HLB emulsifiers to achieve broader emulsification adaptability. It is suggested that the HLB value of the compounded system be maintained between 8 and 12 to obtain more stable O/W emulsions. In industrial cleaning formulations, a recommended dosage is 2%~8% (based on active matter), utilizing its dual wetting and emulsifying effects to enhance oil removal performance.