Isosteareth-2 is a chemical compound, isostearyl ether, a mixture of branched isomers with a variable polyethylene glycol (PEG (Polyethylene glycol)) number, in this case 30.
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- Iso indicates a structural variation from the standard form of the reference molecule, in this case, stearic acid.
- stear is derived from stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid commonly found in animal and vegetable fats.
- eth indicates the presence of ethoxylated groups in the molecule, which are introduced to enhance the solubility and emulsifying properties of the compound.
- -2 indicates the average degree of ethoxylation, i.e., the average number of ethoxylated groups added to the original molecule.
Raw Materials Used in Production.
- Isostearyl alcohol: A fatty alcohol derived from fatty acids and used as a starting point for the production of isosteareth-2.
- Ethylene oxide: Used to ethoxylate the isostearyl alcohol to form isosteareth-2.
Step-by-step Summary of Industrial Production Process.
- Ethoxylation reaction. Isostearyl alcohol reacts with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions to form isosteareth-2.
- Neutralization. Any remaining traces of bases or acids are neutralized.
- Purification. The reactive mixture is then purified to remove impurities and any unreacted components.
- Drying. The isosteareth-2 is separated and dried.
Form and Color.
It typically appears as a clear or slightly yellowish oily liquid.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.
CAS: 52292-17-8
Safety.
The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. At present, no manufacturer is known to provide this information on the label.
