Block copolymers made from ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) started telling their story in the second half of the twentieth century. At first, the chemical industry couldn’t crack the code for easy, controlled copolymerization between these two building blocks. Once researchers worked out a way to alternate or block the two monomers using careful catalyst control, the result unlocked a family of chemicals. Early uses revolved around the unique combination of water-loving and oil-loving zones within the same molecule. Companies like BASF, Dow, and Shell poured resources into refining production, expanding the catalog, and stamping their trade names such as Pluronic, Synperonic, and Lutrol onto shipments heading around the world. Through improvements in catalyst chemistry and process control, the scope and scale of production pushed the limits from lab bench to metric ton supplies, reshaping what’s possible in industrial blending, surfactant development, and biomedical material research.
The typical EO/PO copolymer looks simple at a glance: chains of EO and PO units arranged into blocks. The magic here is not the raw components, but how they link. Tailoring the ratio and sequence of EO to PO turns out substances with properties designed to sit at the crossroad between water and oil compatibility. With these copolymers, manufacturers build products that hold together stubborn mixtures, form micelles, stabilize emulsions, and lubricate machinery across sectors. The main product lines roll out as liquids, pastes, or solid waxes, depending on chain length and the length of each block. Granular knowledge of the EO/PO balance feeds directly into product performance: a longer EO segment pulls the copolymer into the world of water; PO-rich blocks help the compound stick around oily media, open up low-foaming detergents, and handle tough solvents.
EO/PO copolymers stand out for their flexibility in physical state, solubility, and temperature response. Some exist as clear viscous fluids; others harden into waxy solids. Water solubility often links directly to the content of EO. Above a certain concentration, these compounds cluster together in micelles, which makes them favorites for solubilizing oily or greasy substances in water. Another standout feature centers around the “cloud point” — this is the temperature at which the polymer suddenly separates from solution and forms a cloudy suspension. Through simply adjusting the ratio of EO to PO, one can shift this cloud point higher or lower to suit the application at hand. The chemical backbone holds up surprisingly well under heat, shearing force, and a wide variety of pH values. These are tough molecules that rarely break down under typical industrial or consumer-use conditions.
Industry leans on several defining features when spec sheets list EO/PO copolymers. Average molecular weight, total EO content, percent PO, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), viscosity, cloud point, and solid content all matter for buyers. A standard label will nearly always mention trade name, lot number, and the specific series — reflecting the EO/PO ratio and chain length. Manufacturing guides require reliable analytical methods, usually using gel-permeation chromatography and infrared spectroscopy to make sure nothing’s out of spec. Quality standards often draw from ISO 9001 or local equivalents, holding each batch up to tight limits on water content, color, and ash level. Many manufacturers post safety and storage conditions, including shelf-life, physical hazards, and toxicological notes. Regulatory labeling calls for GHS-compliant information on the packaging itself, and companies invest effort in keeping technical data, safety datasheets, and transport documentation up to date with changing global rules.
Chemists produce EO/PO block copolymers through sequential addition of EO and PO to a starter — typically an alcohol or polyol. An alkaline catalyst, often potassium or sodium hydroxide, gets the reaction rolling. Once the starter sees the first shot of EO or PO, the growing polymer chain welcomes successive monomer additions. Skilled process engineers manage temperature and monomer feed rates, toggling EO and PO additions to build blocks of specific length and composition. Modern reactors offer airless conditions; trace moisture or oxygen can sabotage molecular architecture, so companies rely on vacuum and inert gases. Purification involves stripping out unreacted monomers, neutralizing base, and filtering byproducts. Plants invested in continuous processing crank out ton quantities year-round, bringing the cost-per-kilogram down to a fraction compared to boutique synthesis.
EO/PO block copolymers show little tendency to break down or react under normal service conditions. The terminal hydroxyl group left over from the starter or chain end makes for a convenient “handle” if someone wants to adjust the copolymer for a specific job. Chemists frequently tack on stearic acid, isocyanates, or other reactive species to create derivatives for thickening, adhesion, or drug delivery. Crosslinking with multifunctional agents or grafting with additional functionality expands their use in gel, elastomer, or controlled-release systems. Formulators steer clear of strong acids or bases at high temperatures, as these can split the ether bonds and rupture the chain. Still, the main value comes from their stability — most end users don’t want their copolymer to change form or behavior at a moment’s notice.
Industry names tell the story of market demand and competition. Pluronic, Synperonic, Poloxamer, Lutrol, and Tetronic rank among the top trade names worldwide. In pharma, the label “Poloxamer” stands out, with each product assigned a unique number based on molecular weight and EO content. In cosmetics or detergents, you may spot “PEG-PPG copolymer” or “EO/PO block copolymer” in ingredient lists. CAS numbers differ by block structure; the term “poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer” covers most technical uses for customs or regulatory filings. Patents and supplier-specific syntax crop up as well; this tends to create confusion unless one checks the actual molecular parameters behind the label. A professional dealing with imports or marshalling raw materials gets used to cross-tabulating these names against actual analytical data to stay confident in what's arriving at the dock.
Most EO/PO block copolymers present a low risk to workers or end consumers under normal use. Acute toxicity measures near zero in oral and dermal studies; skin and eye irritation remains rare, though concentrated solutions can sting during handling. Dust or aerosols deserve respect — nobody wants a nuisance respiratory hazard in the warehouse. Manufacturing workers rely on closed systems, local exhaust, and protective clothing, remembering that traces of unreacted EO in plant air can pose carcinogenic risks. Facilities commit to ISO-based quality and environmental management systems, with regular internal audits and safety drills. Occupational health teams monitor air quality and medical endpoints, especially where hot processing or drum transfers happen. Some regions require registration under GHS, REACH, or EPA’s chemical inventory; non-compliance can halt shipments or trigger recalls. Best practice means full documentation, accessible SDS sheets, labeled containers, and clear spill response protocols.
Versatility gives EO/PO copolymers a passport to industries stretching from pharma to pulp and paper. In drug delivery, their ability to build micelles and form gels makes them carriers of poorly soluble active ingredients. Hospitals rely on these for injectable formulations and wound irrigation. Cosmetics use these copolymers for creams, shampoos, and makeup removers — the ability to soften skin or clean without residue keeps users coming back to familiar brands. Industrial cleaning and lubrication takes full advantage of their stability across pH and temperature swings. Paints, inks, and adhesives gain control over flow and dispersion with a dash of the right EO/PO compound. Oil and gas producers push block copolymers down wells to break emulsions and stabilize fracking fluids. Even in food processing, selective grades act as antifoams or emulsifying agents, proven safe under rigorous review.
Researchers draw on an ever-expanding toolkit for EO/PO copolymer architecture. The rise of precision catalysis means new types of blocks — including branched and star-shaped forms. Labs work to harness these for higher-order assembly, stimuli response, and medical imaging. Environmental and toxicological screening now gets baked into design, thanks to public pressure and regulatory expectation. Collaborations with universities push the scope far beyond simple surfactants; new blends self-assemble into nanogels, serve as scaffolds for tissue growth, or anchor nanoparticles for imaging and therapy. For academics, the push to publish competitive research drives a steady flow of papers and patents, while industrial R&D seeks real-world durability under challenging processing or environmental constraints. Challenge meets opportunity as the field expands from detergent aisles to the frontiers of bioengineering.
Several decades of toxicity data give regulators and manufacturers confidence in the benign nature of most EO/PO copolymers. Standard animal studies report absent or extremely low acute toxicity, with little bioaccumulation in marine and terrestrial organisms. Chronic exposure checks out as safe in facilities with average industrial hygiene; occupational injury reports show rare health effects. Even so, researchers remain vigilant. Special attention gets paid to impurities or oligomers left over from production — these may cause irritation or rare allergic responses. New testing methods—including high-throughput screening—now monitor breakdown products in water and soil. Environmental groups ask pointed questions about the fate of copolymers in wastewater and whether any transform into endocrine disruptors or other persistent substances. While no major red flags have surfaced so far, transparency and ongoing review earn trust among consumers and regulators alike.
Block copolymers like these won’t fade from view any time soon. Next-generation catalysts promise even tighter control over block structure, unlocking new materials with faster self-assembly, targeted stimulus response, and lower environmental footprint. Bio-based EO and PO, made from corn or sugar, chart a course toward greener production. Medical and electronics markets forecast growing demand for custom copolymers — as tissue engineering gels, soft robotics actuators, or even smart surface coatings. At the same time, pressure from regulators and activists challenges manufacturers to close the loop on waste, improve end-of-life options, and share data openly. Investment in recycling, design for biodegradability, and monitoring for trace exposure increases each year. Product stewardship shifts from a compliance issue to an opportunity — the companies treating these copolymers not only as ingredients, but as lifecycles to steward from cradle to grave, stand to lead the field into tomorrow.
When talking about advances in materials, EO/PO block copolymers quietly shape a surprising number of everyday things. These are long-chain molecules built from two repeating segments: ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO). Imagine them as a kind of high-tech rope, with sections that grab water and sections that shy away from it. Throw these molecules into a solution, and they get busy—forming microscopic structures and helping mix substances that usually refuse to cooperate, like oil and water.
Many folks outside the lab might not realize shampoos, detergents, and even some medications depend on these copolymers to deliver consistent performance. Hospitals rely on them for creams that absorb fast. Industries turn to their unique mix of flexibility and chemical balance for smooth-running lubrication systems. That kind of usefulness catches your attention.
Making EO/PO block copolymers isn’t slick marketing—it’s careful, technical work. Scientists use a process called living anionic polymerization. This starts with a special molecule—an initiator—jumpstarting the reaction. Typically, they use alkali metals like potassium or sodium. The initiator latches onto EO molecules, stringing them together in a row. Once this chunk hits the right length, scientists feed in PO molecules, building a second segment. Flipping the order changes how these blocks behave in water or in oil, letting chemists tune materials for precise results.
Some labs experiment with catalysts that do the job at lower temperatures or with less waste. This matters—a few years ago, I had a chance to step into a research facility testing novel catalysts. The goal was clear: get robust, predictable chains with minimal byproducts. Mistakes meant costly waste. Watching seasoned chemists run titrations and check product weights gave me a deep respect for the hands-on knowledge and the balance between experimentation and data.
Reliable synthesis of EO/PO block copolymers keeps pharmaceuticals stable, helps create biodegradable plastics, and gives manufacturers options for greener chemistry. I recall talking to a supplier for a major cleaning brand, who pointed out that tweaking the EO-to-PO ratio unlocked safer, more effective products without hiking up prices. Lower VOC emissions, less irritation to skin, longer product shelf life—those matter to families and businesses alike.
The stakes rise even further in medical and environmental work. Drug delivery systems use these block copolymers to carry fragile molecules through harsh stomach acids or deliver chemotherapy right where it’s needed. Industrial chemists lean on their predictable absorption and release profiles to control how slowly a fertilizer dissolves in fields. Every tweak to synthesis can ripple through supply chains and real lives.
Scaling up production without raising costs or pollution levels is the next big puzzle. Skillful process control, cleaner energy inputs, and smarter recycling of byproducts will all play a part. I’ve watched startup teams huddle over pilot reactors, troubleshooting temperature gradients and searching for ways to trim waste. Clear-headed collaboration between suppliers, researchers, and customers can push these advances from niche chemistry to mainstream sustainability.
EO/PO block copolymers may never become household names, but the choices behind their creation shape better outcomes for health, environment, and industry. Rolling this expertise into more corners of manufacturing will depend not just on flashy breakthroughs, but on patient, skillful application of solid science. That’s a lesson I’ve seen hold true across every stage of the value chain.
Take a closer look at your household products and you'll find EO/PO block copolymers quietly doing heavy lifting. In my years working around industrial cleaning and talking with people in the detergent business, I’ve seen these polymers transform tough cleaning jobs. Detergent producers lean on them because they make grease and grime disappear from dishes, clothes, and surfaces. They do this by breaking up oily stains—something older soap molecules struggle with. Their unique chemistry helps detergents rinse clean, leaving behind fewer streaks or residues. Even dishwashing pod brands build their formulas around these block copolymers, boosting performance without needing harmful phosphate additives.
Walking through a paint plant almost feels like walking through an art lesson in chemistry. Formulators add EO/PO block copolymers to both water-based and oil-based coatings. The reason is straightforward: these molecules stop pigments from clumping and ensure a smooth, even look once the paint dries. Printers count on them too. Printing inks without stabilizers like EO/PO copolymers tend to dry uneven or clog the delicate nozzles in modern digital printers. Consistent performance isn’t just a technical requirement, it saves time and money for manufacturers trying to keep production lines moving.
Few people realize what makes their favorite shampoo feel rich and luxurious. From shampoo factories to home bathrooms, EO/PO block copolymers deliver the lather and the silky rinse-off that sets premium haircare apart. Their softening ability fits right into conditioners and body washes. Brands looking to offer gentler solutions or hypoallergenic options often turn to these block copolymers. Dermatologists have even pointed out their value in reducing irritation, especially in products aimed at sensitive skin and babies. These choices matter, especially as customers become picky about every label ingredient.
Working with companies in the chemical plant and oil drilling sector taught me one thing: efficiency rarely happens by accident. Field engineers reach for EO/PO block copolymers as anti-foaming agents in water treatment systems and oilfield fluids. Large-scale cooling towers tend to foam like crazy without chemical intervention, making the whole system less reliable. These copolymers knock down foam and keep water running smoothly. Paper mills see similar challenges. During the pulping process, EO/PO polymers keep fibers in suspension, reducing shut-downs from clogs or uneven product.
My time in pharmaceutical consulting showed me the precision expected in every step of drug formulation. Injectable medications require solutions that stay clear and don’t separate; tiny errors can hurt patients. EO/PO block copolymers help drugs dissolve and remain stable, especially in injectable or intravenous products. Some specialty cancer medicines come loaded with these polymers to keep active ingredients circulating in the body long enough to do their work, improving patient outcomes.
Consumers keep asking about sustainability and safety, and chemical companies can’t just dodge those questions. Studies show many EO/PO block copolymers break down more easily than old-school surfactants, reducing harm in waterways. Researchers now test bio-based versions drawn from renewable resources. If the performance matches up, these next-gen block copolymers could take over more market share, cutting fossil fuel demand and shrinking chemical footprints.
Looking at all this, it’s clear EO/PO block copolymers show up in places people rarely notice—yet the difference they make can be seen at home, in factories, and even in hospitals. Their adoption by major manufacturers is backed by years of laboratory proof and field experience. Every improvement in their formulation points toward a future where products deliver results, wash out safely, and tread lighter on the planet.
People often toss around the terms "block copolymer" and "random copolymer" in chemistry or materials science circles. What does that jargon mean in real-world applications, though? For most folks dealing with daily products, car interiors, cosmetics, or cleaners, understanding the makeup of these copolymers explains a lot about why products behave the way they do.
EO/PO block copolymers rely on a recipe-like process: a chunk of ethylene oxide (EO) lines up next to a chunk of propylene oxide (PO). Imagine building a wall, first laying all your bricks (EO), then switching out for cement blocks (PO). This nearly perfect pattern gives the finished product a set of distinct “zones,” often creating clear boundaries within the molecule itself. That clear-cut structure tunes the balance between water-loving and oil-loving regions, which is handy when it comes to formulating solutions that need to blend oil and water, or stabilize a foam without ruining its texture.
Many cleaning products trust block copolymers because of that balance. Take industrial cleaners or shampoos—both depend on that slick ability to dissolve grease without leaving a sticky residue behind. This isn’t magic; it’s about steering how the copolymer interacts with different substances. Sure, you could get a similar effect with old-school soaps, but they can strip surfaces or skin. Block copolymers step in to soften that blow and give chemists a lot more control.
Random copolymers follow a less predictable route, mixing EO and PO units as the chemical reaction moves along. Think about shuffling red and black cards together, not caring about strict turns or patterns. Those random arrangements let the final product exhibit a more blended set of properties all along its length. You end up with a material whose interaction with water and oil splits the difference between the two extremes—less deterministic, more adaptable in some scenarios.
In practice, random copolymers crop up in coatings, adhesives, or specialty plastics where an even, moderate response matters more than sharp separation. I’ve worked with manufacturers who needed a sealant that wouldn’t pull apart under heat or stress. They turned to random copolymers because the irregular mix better handled expansion and contraction without going brittle. The less-ordered structure acted like a shock absorber, spreading tension more evenly.
Most consumers rarely stop to consider how a shampoo foams or why a surface cleaner wipes away mess without streaks. The secret often comes down to these differences between block and random copolymers. Block copolymers shape products that work in sharp, predictable ways, like making sure fabrics get clean without soaking in residue. Random copolymers work best in places where flexibility trumps precision, like packaging or all-purpose adhesives.
Both structures impact how much a company can tweak the end result. A block copolymer lets R&D teams fine-tune the length of each segment, giving them a toolkit for custom solutions—stain removers that won’t eat at kitchen countertops, or de-icers that last through a winter storm without corroding metal. Random copolymers, on the other hand, offer resilience and a more “forgiving” profile, which can be crucial for parts facing unpredictable weather or loads.
Better living through chemistry sticks around for a reason. Whether it’s getting a spot out of your favorite shirt or installing a window seal that won’t crumble next summer, the real magic comes from the structure chemists build at the molecular level. Knowing what’s in the mix, and how those ingredients play together, helps businesses and consumers both get their money’s worth—and keeps those products working long after you’ve forgotten about the chemistry behind them.
Most people don’t wake up thinking about ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) block copolymers, but anyone cleaning a counter, making a creamier ice cream, or running an automatic car wash already interacts with these molecules. These strange-sounding compounds pull off small miracles, blending oil and water, softening hard edges, and tolerating both heat and cold. Their secret? The way EO and PO segments come together. From my work in labs and my own curiosity-driven experiments, it's been clear: Block length and ratio matter as much as getting a bread recipe’s flour and water right.
The length of the EO or PO segments steers how these copolymers behave. Long runs of EO units make the molecule more water-loving. A bottle of dish soap packed with EO-rich copolymer rinses off fast, leaves less residue, and gets along with hard water. Laundry detergents favor this because nobody enjoys cloudy rinse water or dull clothes. On the flip side, stretch the PO sections and you get something that embraces oil and shrugs off frost. In frozen desserts, PO-heavy copolymers keep ice crystals small, leading to smoother texture without raising costs or thinning the flavor.
The science backs this up: EO blocks increase water solubility and raise the cloud point. Take a copolymer with 70% EO, and it waits for a much higher temperature before tumbling out of a solution than one with only 30%. More PO, more resistance to clouding, and much friendlier behavior in tough winters or dry cleaning solvents.
Shifting the ratio of EO to PO swings the copolymer’s style from oily to watery. Hands-on formulation tells its own story. In a trial shampoo, using a 1:1 EO:PO blend led to better foaming and less skin irritation, solving two customer complaints at once. But too much EO caused runny solutions, difficult to thicken. The right mix, say 60% EO with a medium-length block, balanced foam and thickness for easy rinsing.
Facts from industry studies show that a 60-80% EO segment fits most liquid applications, from floor cleaners to personal care. Below this, increased PO content works in lubricants and antifreeze — where water solubility isn’t needed but toughness and oil compatibility are.
I’ve learned to start every new application by picking the block copolymer with my end goal clearly in mind. Food-grade release agents? High EO, short PO, tailored for quick rinsing and minimal flavor disturbance. A high-pressure coolant for metalworking? Reverse the blend — longer PO, enough EO just to keep the emulsifier stable in water.
Regulators and environmentalists keep an eye on the breakdown and toxicity of polymers. Here, getting the minimum effective scrap of EO or PO trims both cost and environmental impact. Companies investing in new catalysts to control chain length earn both energy savings in production and fewer unwanted byproducts.
EO/PO block copolymers work hard across industries, but they reveal just how powerful tiny molecular tweaks can be. Getting the block length and ratio tuned to fit the job drives performance. With so many possible blends, the best results come from a mix of lab wisdom, hands-on testing, and constant attention to customer feedback and environmental needs.
EO/PO block copolymers, made from ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), show up in more daily products than most people realize. They work as surfactants, dispersants, and emulsifiers in everything from household cleaners to pharmaceuticals. Scientists use them in labs, farmers spread them on fields, and manufacturers mix them into plastics. Their versatility gives them a huge presence—but their safety history deserves attention.
Most regulatory agencies have examined EO/PO copolymers. The European Chemicals Agency lists them under REACH and many blends have passed risk assessments for intended uses. In my years following environmental health, few direct toxicity scares have made headlines. Acute poisoning cases linked to the finished copolymers are rare. Yet, the building blocks can pose risks. Ethylene oxide, used to make the EO part, is a known carcinogen. Propylene oxide has its own safety concerns. Manufacturers work to minimize residual monomers but trace amounts may still linger. This fact shapes the bigger debate: can we trust the safety of the end product simply because the polymer is large and harder to absorb?
In my experience skimming safety data sheets, I spot a recurring note—these polymers often cause mild skin or eye irritation without long-term effects. Most experts agree that EO/PO copolymers do not build up in the body or the environment to the extent that some older surfactants (like alkylphenol ethoxylates) did. The molecules break down faster, and less risk crops up for aquatic life in comparison to past chemicals. That cuts down on environmental persistence but doesn’t erase all worry.
Product safety doesn’t stop at the factory gate. How copolymers enter soil or water brings its own set of concerns. Water treatment plants break down EO/PO copolymers more efficiently than some older surfactants, but the breakdown byproducts aren’t always harmless. I’ve read studies where researchers tracked trace contamination in streams near cities, though the risks to wildlife look lower compared to infamous pollutants like PFAS. Still, incomplete information remains a problem. Many long-term, low-level impacts haven’t had time to show up.
I hear from farmers, wastewater engineers, and environmental watchdogs that replacing old, harmful surfactants was a step forward. Communities push for more transparency on chemical breakdown and international regulators want stricter limits on unreacted monomers in consumer goods. These real-world conversations usually lead to one takeaway: nobody can sweep aside concerns just because something is labeled “safer.”
The focus now is on accountability and innovation. Companies test raw materials for purity and adopt safer synthesis methods to reduce toxic monomer content. City water departments look for ways to optimize breakdown of synthetic chemicals before they hit rivers. Consumers and regulators press for greener chemistries, which puts pressure on the industry to keep raising standards.
Switching to biodegradable surfactants could ease more minds, but industry-scale replacements for EO/PO copolymers still need time to become mainstream. For now, reducing residual toxins, improving break-down in treatment plants, and making all ingredients public offer the clearest steps forward.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) |
| Other names |
Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymers Ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers P EO-PO block copolymers Pluronics Poloxamers |
| Pronunciation | /ˌiːˈoʊ ˌpiːˈoʊ ˈblɒk ˈkɒpəˌlaɪmərz/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 9003-11-6 |
| Beilstein Reference | 4002406 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:60004 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1169647 |
| ChemSpider | NA |
| DrugBank | DB08762 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03-2119487305-48-0000 |
| EC Number | Poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide) EC Number: 500-246-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 66297 |
| KEGG | C11255 |
| MeSH | D020123 |
| PubChem CID | 16682914 |
| RTECS number | UU3675000 |
| UNII | IY9F08YKGH |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID6029227 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | (C₂H₄O)m(C₃H₆O)n |
| Molar mass | 1000–16000 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white solid |
| Odor | Characteristically faint odor |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble |
| log P | -2.4 |
| Vapor pressure | Vapor pressure: <0.01 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | > 13.0 – 15.0 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 9.6 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -8.0e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4200 |
| Viscosity | 10 - 12000 mPa.s |
| Dipole moment | 1.2 - 1.6 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -41.58 MJ/kg |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | C05GX |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause eye and skin irritation |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS05 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS05, GHS09 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep container tightly closed. Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1,1,0,0 |
| Flash point | > 200 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | > 356 °C (673 °F; 629 K) |
| Explosive limits | Not explosive |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Rat oral > 2000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50: > 5000 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | TRN25895 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 50 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | 100 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Polyethylene glycol Polypropylene glycol Polysorbate Poloxamer Polyol Polyether polyol EO homopolymer PO homopolymer |
