Question

What are the advantages of PEG200MO (Polyethylene Glycol 200 Monooleate) compared with other similar products?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 PEG200MO,聚乙二醇200单油酸酯

PEG200MO (Polyethylene Glycol 200 Monooleate) is a nonionic surfactant with core advantages of high-purity monoester structure, excellent formulation compatibility, and mild safety, particularly suitable for high-end formulation systems requiring high emulsification efficiency and low physiological irritation.

Detailed Description

PEG200MO is prepared by esterification of polyethylene glycol 200 and natural oleic acid. Its molecular structure achieves a delicate balance between hydrophilic groups (PEG chain, n≈4) and hydrophobic groups (oleic acid carbon chain). Compared with similar products, the most prominent differentiated advantage lies in its monoester content ≥95%, and diester content ≤3%. This high monoester ratio imparts superior self-emulsifying ability and emulsion stability to the product, as monoester molecules exhibit stronger interfacial adsorption tendency, capable of more efficiently reducing the oil/water interfacial tension (surface tension of 1% aqueous solution is only 30~35 mN/m), while diester by-products tend to enter the oil phase, contributing less to emulsification.

Among similar polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester products, the HLB value of PEG200MO is approximately 8, falling within the critical transition range from water-in-oil (W/O) to oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. This property allows it to be used alone to prepare W/O emulsions or synergistically with high-HLB emulsifiers to construct stable O/W systems, offering a much wider application scope than competing products with single HLB value ranges. Additionally, this product is derived from natural oleic acid, featuring extremely low irritation (oral LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg). Compared with some synthetic fatty acid esters or similar products with higher EO numbers, it has a significant mildness advantage in the cosmetics and personal care fields.

Furthermore, the product exhibits good permeability (canvas settling time ≤ 60 seconds) and low foaming characteristics, making it outstanding in industrial scenarios requiring rapid wetting but not prone to foaming (e.g., metalworking fluids, textile leveling agents), outperforming some high-foaming PEG esters. Its active content is ≥99%, and free alcohol ≤2%, meaning a higher concentration of active ingredients per unit dosage, which can reduce formulation addition levels and achieve a balance between cost and performance.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemPEG200MO (Guoli Chemical)Market Reference Value for Similar ProductsAdvantage Interpretation
AppearanceLight yellow to yellow transparent liquidYellow to amber liquidLighter color, does not affect final product coloring
Monoester Content≥95%Typically 85%~92%Higher emulsification efficiency, lower dosage required
Active Content≥99.0%Typically 95%~98%More concentrated active ingredients, better cost performance
HLB ValueApproximately 8Varies from 6 to 9Located in the critical region between W/O and O/W, formulation flexibility
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)30~35 mN/m32~40 mN/mSuperior ability to reduce interfacial tension
Permeability (Canvas Settling)≤60 secondsSome products >90 secondsFaster wetting and spreading speed
Foam CharacteristicsLow foamSome products have moderate foamMore suitable for low-foam process scenarios
Free Alcohol≤2%Typically 2%~5%Fewer by-products, lower irritation
Cloud Point40~60°CVaries greatly with EO numberModerate cloud point, balancing water solubility and temperature resistance
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD₅₀, Rat)>5000 mg/kgSimilar for similar productsPractically non-toxic grade

Application Recommendations

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: With its excellent emulsifying ability, mildness, low irritation, and high monoester purity, PEG200MO is an ideal primary or auxiliary emulsifier for formulations such as creams, lotions, makeup removers, and body washes. Recommended addition level is generally 2%~8%. Compounding with high-HLB emulsifiers (e.g., PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil) can achieve broader formulation adaptability and a finer skin feel. The high purity also allows formulators to precisely quantify, avoiding uncertainties introduced by diester impurities.

Metalworking Fluids: As a key component of emulsified cutting fluids and rust inhibitors, this product can quickly form stable emulsions. Its low foaming property avoids foam issues in high-pressure spray systems, and good permeability helps the lubricant quickly reach the cutting interface, improving machining accuracy. Recommended addition level is 5%~15% in the concentrate.

Textile Auxiliaries: In spin finishes and leveling agents, the low foam, high permeability, and excellent dispersibility of PEG200MO can significantly improve fiber spinnability and dye leveling effect. Its easy water solubility facilitates subsequent washing processes, reducing residues.

Pesticide Formulations: In emulsion in water (EW) and microemulsion (ME) formulations, this product effectively promotes uniform dispersion of pesticide active ingredients, improves dilution stability, and enhances the wetting and spreading of the spray liquid on plant leaf surfaces. Recommended dosage is 3%~10% of the total formulation weight.

Precautions

  • The product is slightly hygroscopic; after opening, seal it promptly for storage. Recommended storage temperature: 5°C~35°C; avoid prolonged exposure to extreme high temperatures or freezing conditions.
  • Under strong acid or strong alkali environments (pH<3 or pH>12), ester bond hydrolysis may occur, leading to decreased emulsification performance. It is recommended to use within pH 4~10 for optimal stability.
  • Although the product is not flammable (open cup flash point >150°C), it should still be kept away from open flames and strong oxidizers. Protective gloves and goggles are recommended during operation to avoid prolonged skin contact.
  • This product is not a hazardous chemical and does not fall under GHS classification, but general chemical handling practices and good ventilation in the workplace should be followed.