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Polyoxystearic Acid (40) Ester belongs to a family of chemicals that finds its place in pharmaceutical and industrial products. At its core, this compound results from the reaction of stearic acid with ethylene oxide—adding approximately forty ethylene oxide units—creating a nonionic surfactant. The structure carries both lipophilic and hydrophilic groups, giving it unique properties in emulsification, dispersion, and solubilization. The molecule balances long hydrocarbon chains with repeating oxyethylene groups. This combination helps materials mix that otherwise refuse to blend, making it a quiet workhorse in formulations from creams to industrial lubricants.
This ester usually appears in solid white flakes or an off-white powder, with some suppliers offering it in the form of small pearls or even a viscous liquid, depending on production conditions. Touching these flakes or pearls, one notices a waxy, smooth texture. It dissolves in water to form a milky, opalescent mixture. In solid form, it holds its shape at room temperature, melting into a clear or slightly cloudy solution when heated above its melting point, which falls in the range of 45°C to 55°C. Because handling and measuring can change with each format—whether flakes, powder, or viscosity levels—users choose according to need, whether for blending ease or for dosing accuracy.
Polyoxystearic Acid (40) Ester features a molecular formula near C76H152O41, though the variable number of ethylene oxide units may adjust this slightly. The approximate molecular weight hovers around 1800–2300 g/mol, with a density of about 1.05 grams per cubic centimeter at room temperature. In my work formulating creams, density and molecular weight have direct consequences: higher density changes dispersion rates in liquid solutions, and variable molecular weight alters viscosity in gels. The product carries a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) often around 16–17, tailoring it for oil-in-water emulsions. Water solubility sits high, while compatibility with oils remains significant, easing incorporation into both aqueous and oily environments.
Its backbone starts from stearic acid—a familiar fatty acid in food and pharmaceutical products—and builds with ethylene oxide chains that snake outward, creating a comb-like appearance under a molecular sketch. The lengthy polyoxyethylene segments lend amphiphilic characteristics, similar to what one might find in natural soaps but with more consistent performance and purity. This structure positions Polyoxystearic Acid (40) Ester among the most reliable nonionic surfactants. Its emulsification power comes from these chains, which can wrap around both oily and watery substances, bracketing them close enough for a stable blend.
For cross-border movement, Polyoxystearic Acid (40) Ester nests under HS Code 34021300, reserved for nonionic organic surface-active agents. This code holds importance for customs and regulatory paperwork, where mistakes lead to fines or shipping delays. Over years ordering raw materials, learning the right HS codes proved essential for avoiding holdups at ports, and sharing precise data with trading partners. When supplying documentation, one product specification sheet includes not only this code, but full batch traceability, shelf life, and storage conditions.
Safety profiles matter as much as function. Polyoxystearic Acid (40) Ester usually carries a low acute toxicity, so it rarely causes problems in pharmaceutical or cosmetic products when handled with usual precautions. Breathing dust or powder should be avoided—not because of chemical danger, but because even benign powders can irritate lungs or trigger coughing. Some people with sensitive skin notice mild itching if exposed to undiluted powder, although finished products dilute the substance far below irritation thresholds. Proper handling, glove use, and storage away from heat sources or strong oxidizers become day-to-day habits in any responsible operation. Tested batches pass heavy metal and purity checks according to BP, EP, or USP pharma grade standards—offering reassurance that contaminants haven’t crept in during manufacturing.
In bulk settings, flakes and powder fill sacks or fiber drums lined with polyethylene, sealed tight against humidity and airborne particles. Storage areas keep material dry and out of direct sunlight—a lesson learned after seeing caked-together material lose flowability when exposed to summer heat. Industrial operators measure by weight or by volume, converting liters to kilograms depending on process needs, and using calibrated scoops or automated dispensers. On a smaller scale, I’ve seen labs rely on resealable jars or double-bagging, protecting product from cross-contamination with other excipients.
Everything begins with refined stearic acid—sourced mainly from plant oils or animal fats—and pure ethylene oxide gas. Production requires strict moisture and temperature control. At high heat, ethylene oxide reacts with stearic acid in reactors built to contain pressure and minimize leaks. Outflows get filtered, tested, and cooled before any packaging happens. Each stage carries its own checks: acid value, saponification index, peroxide count, and appearance all undergo thorough review. In real-world supply chains, raw material shortages or quality issues in either input can stall the entire workflow, so building reliable, traceable vendor lists keeps operations running smoothly.
Polyoxystearic Acid (40) Ester’s versatility stretches beyond a single domain. In pharmaceuticals, it stabilizes creams and suspensions, helping active drugs stay mixed for safe and predictable dosing. Cosmetics use it for smoothing lotions and reducing greasy afterfeel. Food additive regulations place tighter controls, but non-food industries easily find value in its lubricating and dispersing abilities. Seeing products separated after shipping or storage reminds us of what this material prevents—instability, clumping, or settling that frustrate users and ruin batches. Manufacturers working toward greener chemistry seek alternatives from bio-based feedstocks, though supply chains for stearic acid already nod toward sustainability. Ongoing research probes for even purer, more biodegradable versions to answer global demand for safer, more environmentally friendly excipients. Constant communication among chemists, quality specialists, and regulators shapes future improvements.
Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
