PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide is a chemical compound obtained from natural sources such as coconut oil.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "PPG-2" indicates the presence of a polypropylene glycol with two repeating units.
• "Hydroxyethyl" indicates the presence of an ethyl group with a hydroxy group.
• "Cocamide" indicates that the compound is an amide derived from coconut oil.

Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.

Coconut fatty acids (Cocamide). Extracted from coconut oil, they act as a starting base for the reaction, providing the "Cocamide" portion of the molecule.

• Propylene oxide (PPG). A monomer that gets polymerized to provide the PPG units to the molecule.
• Ethanolamine. Used to react with the coconut fatty acids, making the molecule more water-soluble and enhancing surfactant properties.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.

• Polymerization of propylene oxide. The propylene oxide is polymerized to form polypropylene glycol (PPG).
• Esterification reaction. The coconut fatty acids react with PPG in the presence of a catalyst to form an intermediate.
• Reaction with ethanolamine. The intermediate is then reacted with ethanolamine to form PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide.
• Purification. The solution is purified to remove any by-products or impurities.

It appears in the form of a white powder. 

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. 

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics. PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide is often used in shampoos, body washes, and skin care products for its foaming properties, solubilizing capabilities, and as a conditioning agent.

Household Cleaning. This ingredient can be found in detergents and other cleaning products due to its solubilizing and foaming capabilities.

Safety

PPG (Polypropylene glycol)  in small quantities is a safe, biocompatible, biodegradable polymer that produces pyruvic acid, a metabolite that our body uses to produce metabolic energy.