PEG/PPG-14/7 dimethyl ether is a chemical compound, the copolymer obtained by 14 mol of ethylene oxide with 7 mol of propylene oxide.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• PEG/PPG indicates the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). Both PEG and PPG are polymers used in cosmetics for their solubilizing and hydrating properties.
• 14/7 indicate the average chain length of the polymers. The number 14 refers to PEG, and the number 7 refers to PPG. These numbers give an idea of the molecular weight and physical properties of the compound.
• dimethyl ether refers to the chemical structure of the compound, which includes dimethyl ether groups. Dimethyl ethers are known for their emollient properties and improve the feel on the skin.

Industrial Chemical Synthesis of PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether

• Polymerization. The synthesis begins with the polymerization of PEG and PPG to achieve the desired chain lengths, in this case, indicating an average molecular weight of 14 for PEG and 7 for PPG.
• Reaction. The PEG and PPG polymers are then reacted with dimethyl ether to form PEG/PPG-14/7 dimethyl ether. This process involves chemically modifying the polymers to enhance their properties.
• Purification. After the reaction, the product is purified to remove impurities and by-products.
• Quality Control. PEG/PPG-14/7 dimethyl ether undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets the required standards. After quality control, it is packaged for use in cosmetic and personal care products, where it utilizes its properties as a conditioning and solubilizing agent.

Form and Color

 Typically appears as a clear, colorless or slightly yellow liquid.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Miscellaneous. This ingredient has the task of modifying the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry by reducing its flakiness and restoring its elasticity.

CAS: 61419-46-3

Commercial applications:

Cosmetic Industry. PEG/PPG-14/7 dimethyl ether is used as a conditioning agent in cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, and hair care products.

PEG

Since the PEG (Polyethylene glycol) family is very numerous and can be found in cosmetic, industrial, pharmaceutical, medical and other products, we need to make an introductory statement on the subject, which is rather complex from a safety point of view because these products not only come into contact with the skin, but, as in the case of medical products, are ingested.

PEGs (polyethylene glycol) polymerise condensed ethylene oxide and water and are referred to as polyethylene glycols, but are actually complex chemical components, polymers bonded together. For example, plastic is polyethylene and has a hard consistency, while polyethylene combined with glycol forms a liquid. PEGylation is produced not only as etherification, but also as transesterification, which is the transformation of an alcohol by an ester. 

The number appearing after the abbreviation PEG represents the molecular weight and the higher this number is, the less it penetrates the skin.

Safety. The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds  considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. At present, no manufacturer is known to provide this information on the label.