Poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (CAS 9035-85-2) — Citrus None Note Fragrance Ingredient
Poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
CAS 9035-85-2
What Is Poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-?
This synthetic polymer is commonly used in cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier or viscosity modifier. While odorless itself, it helps stabilize fragrances in products like lotions and creams. Its importance lies in enabling fragrance longevity and even distribution in personal care products, though consumers never directly smell it.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy- Smell Like?
This material is odorless and tasteless, functioning purely as a functional additive rather than a fragrance ingredient. As a polymer, it lacks volatile components that would contribute to scent perception. Its role is structural – modifying product rheology and stabilizing fragrance systems without imparting its own olfactory character.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCOCCCO
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
This polyethylene glycol derivative is a synthetic polymer with a hexadecyl hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic ethylene oxide backbone. Produced through polymerization of ethylene oxide with hexadecanol as an initiator, it creates amphiphilic structures capable of forming micelles. The molecular weight distribution depends on reaction conditions and purification methods.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Waxy solid or viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Function | Non-ionic surfactant |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emulsions | 1-5% | 0.5-10% | Stabilizes fragrance oils |
| Gels | 0.5-3% | 0.1-5% | Modifies rheology |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to improve fragrance solubility in aqueous systems.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA
RIFM Assessment
Not currently assessed by RIFM as it’s not a fragrance material.
Sustainability
As a synthetic polymer, this material is derived from petrochemical feedstocks. Production requires energy-intensive processes but enables precise control over material properties. Biodegradability depends on molecular weight, with lower MW versions breaking down more readily in wastewater treatment systems.
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References
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (2006). Safety assessment of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) CIR Report
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 9035-85-2Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 300.5 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 7.5🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | 0.792💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCOCCCO🔬 PubChem |
Odor & Flavor
| Functional Groups | alcoholether💻 RDKit |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID301011398
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 300.5 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 7.5 Log10 unitless🔬 PubChem |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 29.46 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 18 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 92.83 cm^3/mol💻 Computed |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
