Polyether F-68, with the full chemical name α-hydro-ω-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene)poly(oxypropylene)poly(oxyethylene) block copolymer, CAS number 9003-11-6, is a classic nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical. Its molecular weight ranges from 7680 to 9510, and it appears as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid. This product has many aliases in the industry, including Poloxamer 188, Lutrol F68, Kolliphor P 188, Synperonic PE/F68, and Pluronic F-68, all referring to the same substance.
In terms of technical characteristics, Polyether F-68 has extremely high hydrophilicity, with an HLB value of 29, making it one of the most hydrophilic emulsifiers currently available. The cloud point of its 1% aqueous solution exceeds 100°C, and its surface tension is approximately 43 mN/m (0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C), with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of about 0.5 g/L. Additionally, the product has an active content of ≥99.0% and exhibits good acid-base tolerance and hard water compatibility, maintaining stable interfacial activity under harsh conditions.
Polyether F-68 is widely used in high-standard pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and personal care fields. Its core mechanism lies in the unique block structure that forms a stable hydrophilic interfacial film, serving both as a solubilizing carrier for poorly soluble drugs and as a physical shear protection agent in cell culture—a dual function rarely achieved by ordinary surfactants.
| Parameter | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 9003-11-6 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow waxy solid |
| Melting Point | 52~57°C |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| HLB Value | 29 |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | >100°C |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approx. 0.5 g/L (25°C) |
| Surface Tension (0.1%) | Approx. 43 mN/m (25°C) |
| Active Content | ≥99.0% |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0~8.0 |
| Hydroxyl Value | 9~12 mg KOH/g |
| Acid Value | ≤0.5 mg KOH/g |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.5% |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water |
As a nonionic surfactant, Polyether F-68 is mainly used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and stabilizer in liquid preparations such as intravenous injectable emulsions, oral solutions, and eye drops. It can significantly enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs and ensure the stability of formulations during storage. It is also used as a hydrophilic base for suppositories. This is the application direction with the highest safety standards for this product.
In cell culture processes, Polyether F-68 is added directly to the culture medium as a shear protection agent, effectively protecting sensitive cells from fluid mechanical damage during agitation and aeration, thereby improving cell viability and product expression levels. According to data from the Guoli Chemical database, the recommended usage concentration is 0.5 to 3 g/L.
Used in formulations such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes as a mild nonionic emulsifier, dispersant, and foam stabilizer. It can effectively improve the spreadability, skin feel, and low-temperature stability of the product, making it especially suitable for formulations for sensitive skin care.
Used as a high-performance additive in lubricants, low-foam defoamers, mold release agents, and dispersants for coatings and inks, improving processing performance and surface finish of products.