Synonym(s)
.alpha.-9-(Z)-octadecenyl-.omega.-hydroxy (16 mol EO average molar ratio); CAS number: 9004-98-2; PEG-16 oleyl ether; polyethylene (16) oleyol ether; poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Oleth(s)" are the polyoxyethylene ethers of oleyl alcohol, an unsaturated monohydric alcohol with the linear formula: CH3(CH2)7CH= CH(CH2)7CH2OH (for comparison see: laurethe as polyoxyethylene ether of lauryl alcohol; stearethe as polyoxyethylene ether of stearyl alcohol, etc.). In the term "oleth", the numbering shown below indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units per mole. For example, for oleth-16 this is 16 ethylene oxide units per mole.
Oleth-16 is used in cosmetic formulations. The polyoxyethylene ether acts as an emulsifier (changes the interfacial tension of liquids like water and oil so that they can be mixed together); surfactant (washing-active substance).
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer