PEG-7 Cocoate is the INCI name of an organic fatty acid derivative. Similarly to other compounds belonging to the wide group of surfactants, it has good emulsifying properties. PEG-7 Cocoate, as one of the ingredients, has a number of functions in products such as lubricants, anti-wear additives, cosmetics and pesticide formulations.
PEG-7 Cocoate is the INCI name (INCI: International Cosmetic Ingredient Nomenclature) of a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the group of polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters. This compound is a derivative of coconut oil fatty acids. The CAS number, which allows to uniquely identify or search for a specific compound, is 61791-29-5 for PEG-7 Cocoate. The substance, in its pure form, is a clear or slightly cloudy liquid. It has a tendency to gelate. The colour of PEG-7 Cocoate varies from straw yellow to light brown. The odour is described as characteristic. The commercial product, e.g. available in the PCC Group under the name ROKAcet K7, contains at least 99% of the active substance. The minimum content of impurities (mainly water) in such a product does not exceed 1%. The saponification number, or the amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH) necessary to neutralize acids contained in the product, is in the range of 104 to 112 mg KOH per 1 g of product. A 1% aqueous solution of PEG-7 Cocoate is neutral (pH 6.0 to 8.0). A surfactant such as PEG-7 Cocoate is poorly soluble in water. After the introduction into water, it forms an emulsion with water particles. This is due to the presence of a long, hydrophobic fatty acid chain. Substances of a non-polar nature are good solvents for these compounds, according to the generally accepted rule of thumb that “like dissolves like”. Methanol or ethanol are examples of non-polar solvents suitable for dissolving PEG-7 Cocoate.
Other physical and chemical properties:
PEG-7 Cocoate belongs to a wide group of chemicals called surfactants. Like other compounds from this family, it shows mainly emulsifying properties.
Thanks to its chemical structure, it dissolves very well in mineral oils and also in vegetable oils. This feature makes it readily used as one of the components of lubricants and anti-wear substances. Used in many mechanical processes, where good and efficient machinery operation is required, it protects the elements of the device against quick wear. Compounds such as PEG-7 Cocoate, as ingredients in lubricating formulations, directly increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes. The compound is also used in processing fluids based on soluble oils, semi-synthetic coolants as well as neat oils.
PEG-7 Cocoate as a surfactant has very good emulsifying properties. It facilitates the formation and stabilization of emulsions, i.e. a two-phase dispersion system containing two incompatible liquids with different chemical characteristics (polar and non-polar liquids), e.g. water and oil. This feature is used in liquid pesticide formulations such as EC and EW.
In cosmetic preparations, PEG-7 Cocoate has emollient properties. Products containing PEG-7 Cocoate are perfect for cosmetics with moisturising properties. After application onto the skin, it leaves a protective layer on its surface that prevents moisture loss.
PEG-7 Cocoate is also included in the composition of flame-retardant HFA hydraulic fluids, usedi.a. in the mining industry.
Key advantages of PEG-7 Cocoate: