Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is an organic compound with the molecular formula C8H10O2, which can be synthesized by etherification of ethylene glycol and phenol. Phenoxyethanol is a colorless slightly viscous liquid with aromatic odor, slightly soluble in water, easily soluble in ethanol and sodium hydroxide. the Phenoxyethanol has antibacterial effects (usually used together with quaternary ammonium salts), and is often used as a substitute for highly toxic sodium azide in biological buffer solutions, because phenoxyethanol is less toxic and chemically It is not active on copper and lead. It usually functions as a preservative in cosmetics, skin care products, vaccines and medicines.
Physical and chemical properties
Phenoxyethanol, the name of the drug, the English name is: Phenoxyethanol, the Chinese name is also called diphenoxyethanol, phenoxyethanol, etc., the molecular formula is: C8H10O2, phenoxyethanol is an organic compound, a colorless slightly viscous liquid , slightly fragrant, astringent. Soluble in water, can be arbitrarily mixed with acetone, ethanol and glycerin. Slightly soluble in water, it is a common preservative in cosmetics. It is one of the relatively safe preservatives. The maximum concentration of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics is 1%, and the solution is 0.1%-2% (including ethanol 10%).
Preparation
In the presence of sodium acetate or sodium peroxide, phenol and ethylene oxide undergo an addition reaction, and the reaction product is obtained by distillation under reduced pressure. The reaction temperature is 200°C, and the reaction pressure is 0.2~0.25MPa. Toxicity analysis
Phenoxyethanol is currently used as a standard preservative compound, and generally does not release formaldehyde, and it is generally believed that formaldehyde is harmful to the human body. Compared with these compounds that release formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol is indeed a better substitute. Toxicological data of phenoxyethanol: LD50 (half lethal dose): oral administration of rats: 3000mg/kg, oral administration of mice: 4000mg/kg, belonging to mild toxicity. (The data comes from the 2007 edition of "Current Status and Development of Cosmetic Preservatives")
Features and Applications
Phenoxyethanol can be used as a fixative in perfume, as an insect repellent, a topical disinfectant, a solvent for cellulose acetate, dyes, inks, resins, preservatives, and other medicinal uses. In addition, it is also used as an anesthetic for fish in aquaculture. It is also listed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an ingredient in many US vaccines. In Japan, the amount of phenoxyethanol used in cosmetics is monitored.
Solvent
Phenoxyethanol has good solubility and miscibility, and is often used as a diluent for fragrances, a better solvent and penetration aid for hair dyes and nail polish pigments, a solvent and modifier for inks, ballpoint pen oils, and ink pads penetrating agent, etc.
Antiseptic and bactericidal
Phenoxyethanol has a specific antibacterial effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and has antibacterial effects on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Because it has considerable solubility in water, white mineral oil, isopropyl palmitate and other cosmetic components. Coupled with its high-efficiency broad-spectrum, low toxicity and non-allergic irritation (2.2% aqueous solution is non-irritating to the skin), it is widely used in cosmetic creams and shampoos.