Surfactant
Castor Oil Ethoxylates
RIMPRO CO Series
The standard RIMPRO series of polyethoxylated castor oil. RIMPRO CO derivatives are non-ionic surfactants used across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, animal feed and textile formulations.
- HLB 2.14 - 14.83
- 8 Grades - CO-2.5 to CO-60
- Pharmaceutical Grade
Overview
Polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are complex mixtures of various hydrophobic and hydrophilic components.
In RIMPRO-CO-35, the hydrophobic constituents comprise about 83% of the total mixture, the main component being glycerol polyethylene glycol ricinoleate. Other hydrophobic constituents include fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol along with some unchanged castor oil. The hydrophilic part (17%) consists of polyethylene glycols and glycerol ethoxylates.
In RIMPRO-CO-40, approximately 75% of the components of the mixture are hydrophobic. These comprise mainly fatty acid esters of glycerol polyethylene glycol and fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol. The hydrophilic portion consists of polyethylene glycols and glycerol ethoxylates.
RIMPRO CO - Typical Properties
Grade-wise specifications across the CO range.
| RIMPRO Grade | Appearance at 30°C | Hydroxyl Value | Iodine Value | HLB | Solid Content Min % | Water Content Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO-2.5 | Clear viscous colorless liquid | 147 ± 5 | 48-58 | 2.14 | 99.5 | 0.2 |
| CO-5.0 | Pale yellow viscous liquid | 133 ± 5 | 43-53 | 3.87 | 99.5 | 0.2 |
| CO-10 | Pale yellow viscous liquid | 111 ± 5 | 35-45 | 6.49 | 99.5 | 0.2 |
| CO-20 | Pale yellow viscous liquid | 85 ± 5 | 25-35 | 9.8 | 99.5 | 0.2 |
| CO-30 | Pale yellow viscous liquid | 68 ± 5 | 19-29 | 11.8 | 99.5 | 0.2 |
| CO-35 | Pale yellow viscous liquid | 60 ± 5 | 17-27 | 12.54 | 99.5 | 0.2 |
| CO-40 | Pale yellow viscous liquid | 56 ± 5 | 15-25 | 13.15 | 99.5 | 0.2 |
| CO-60 | Pale yellow to waxy solid | 55 ± 5 | 10-20 | 14.83 | 99.5 | 0.2 |
Stability & Storage ConditionsRIMPRO-CO-35 forms stable solutions in many organic solvents such as chloroform, ethanol and propan-2-ol; it also forms clear, stable, aqueous solutions. RIMPRO-CO-35 is miscible with other polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives and on heating with fatty acids, fatty alcohols and some animal and vegetable oils. Solutions of RIMPRO-CO-40 in aqueous alcohols are also stable.
On heating an aqueous solution, the solubility of RIMPRO-CO-35 is reduced and the solution becomes turbid. Aqueous solutions of polyoxyl castor oil heated for prolonged periods may separate into solid and liquid phases on cooling. However, the product can be restored to its original form by homogenization.
Aqueous solutions of RIMPRO-CO-35 are stable in the presence of low concentrations of electrolytes such as acids or salts, with the exception of mercuric chloride.
Aqueous solutions of RIMPRO-CO-35 can be sterilized by autoclaving for 20 minutes at 121°C. In this process a product may acquire a deeper color, although this has no significance for product stability. Aqueous solutions of polyoxyl castor oil can similarly be sterilized by autoclaving at 121°C, but this may cause a slight decrease in pH value.
Polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives should be stored in a well-filled, airtight container, protected from light, in a cool, dry place.
SafetyPolyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are used in a variety of oral, topical and parenteral pharmaceutical formulations. Acute and chronic toxicity tests in animals have shown them to be essentially nontoxic and nonirritant materials. However, several serious anaphylactic reactions have been observed in humans and animals following parenteral, and more rarely, oral administration.
Handling PrecautionsObserve normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection and gloves are recommended.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation & TechnologyPolyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives are nonionic surfactants used in oral, topical and parenteral pharmaceutical formulations. They are also used in cosmetics, animal feeds and textiles.
RIMPRO-CO-35 is mainly used as an emulsifying and solubilizing agent, and is particularly suitable for the production of aqueous liquid preparations containing volatile oils, fat-soluble vitamins and other hydrophobic substances.
RIMPRO-CO-35 has also been used as a solvent in proprietary injections of diazepam, propanidid and alfaxalone with alfadolone acetate. RIMPRO-CO-35 is also used in the production of glycerin suppositories.
In veterinary practice, RIMPRO-CO-35 can be used to emulsify cod liver oil, and oils and fats incorporated into animal feeding stuffs.
In cosmetics, RIMPRO-CO-35 is mainly used as a solubilizing agent for perfume bases and volatile oils in vehicles containing 30-50% v/v alcohol (ethanol or propan-2-ol). In hand lotions it can be used to replace castor oil.
RIMPRO-CO-40 may be used in preference to RIMPRO-CO-35 in oral formulations since it is almost tasteless. In aqueous alcoholic or completely aqueous solutions, RIMPRO-CO-40 can be used to solubilize vitamins, essential oils and certain drugs. Other materials which can be solubilized include alfadolone, alfaxalone, hexachlorophane, hexetidine, methotrimeprazine, miconazole, propanidid and thiopentone.
In aerosol vehicles which include water, the addition of RIMPRO-CO-40 improves the solubility of the propellant in the aqueous phase. This enhancement applies both to dichlorodifluoromethane and to propane/butane mixtures.
Foam formation in aqueous ethanol solutions containing RIMPRO-CO-40 can be suppressed by the addition of small amounts of polypropylene glycol 2000.
RIMPRO-CO-40 is also used as an emulsifier of fatty acids and alcohols.
Functional CategoryEmulsifier, Co-emulsifier, Dispersant, Solubilizer, Lubricant, Antistat, Emollient, Wetting Agent, Scouring Agent, Defoamer, Softener, Viscosity Control Agent, Dyeing Assistant, Dye Carrier, Leveling Agent, Stabilizer, Penetrant.
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