Synonym(s)
.alpha.-4-octadecenyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (Z)-; phosphates (4 mol EO average molar ratio); 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 oleth-4 this is 4 ethylene oxide units per mole.
Oleth-4 phosphates are used in cosmetic formulations. The polyoxyethylene ether acts as a surfactant (washing-active substance) and as a cleansing agent (cleans the body surface).
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles