Castor oil ethoxylate

What is Castor oil ethoxylate?

Castor oil ethoxylates (CAS Number: 61791-12-6) are nonionic surfactants derived from natural castor oil through controlled ethoxylation. Ricinoleic acid—the major fatty acid in castor oil—contains a hydroxyl group that serves as an active site for ethylene oxide addition, yielding products with enhanced water…

What is Castor oil ethoxylate used for?

Castor oil ethoxylates function as emulsifiers, solubilizers, antistatic agents, and lubricants. Their amphiphilic structure reduces surface and interfacial tension, stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions in agrochemical, metal-working, and personal care systems. Nonionic character ensures compatibility across a wide pH… Venus Ethoxyethers manufactures and supplies in India; request a quote for your requirements.

Castor oil ethoxylates (CAS Number: 61791-12-6) are nonionic surfactants derived from natural castor oil through controlled ethoxylation. Ricinoleic acid—the major fatty acid in castor oil—contains a hydroxyl group that serves as an active site for ethylene oxide addition, yielding products with enhanced water solubility, surface activity, and tunable hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB).

Functional properties

Castor oil ethoxylates function as emulsifiers, solubilizers, antistatic agents, and lubricants. Their amphiphilic structure reduces surface and interfacial tension, stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions in agrochemical, metal-working, and personal care systems. Nonionic character ensures compatibility across a wide pH range and with other surfactant classes.

Physical form and grades

Products are typically pale yellow, viscous liquids reflecting the natural oil base. Venus manufactures ethoxylated castor oil from 2 to 200 moles of EO, plus hydrogenated castor oil ethoxylates and tall oil derivatives for applications requiring higher oxidative stability or lighter colour. Grade selection depends on required HLB, solubility, and emulsification target.

Applications

• Agriculture — emulsifiers for EC formulations and botanical oils; see agro chemicals.
• Textiles — fibre lubrication, antistatic treatment, and scouring aids.
• Metal working — boundary lubrication in soluble oils and cleaners.
• Personal care and pharma — solubilizers and emulsifiers in creams and lotions.
• Detergents — co-surfactants and dispersing agents.

Technical resources

For formulation guidance, read the castor oil ethoxylates guide and HLB scale guide. Contact Venus Ethoxyethers for custom EO levels, samples, and SDS tailored to your application.

Hydrogenated and specialty grades

Hydrogenated castor oil ethoxylates offer improved oxidative stability and lighter colour for cosmetic and pharmaceutical emulsions where appearance and odour are critical quality attributes.