Heptaethylene glycol

Heptaethylene glycol (CAS 5617-32-3) is a mid-chain polyethylene glycol diol used as a solvent, humectant, and functional intermediate across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations. Its defined chain length and dual hydroxyl end groups make it a precise building block where molecular uniformity matters for performance or regulatory purposes in various chemical processes.

In pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, it functions as a carrier and humectant, helping to solubilize active ingredients and retain moisture in topical products for better skin absorption. Printing ink and packaging manufacturers use it as a plasticizer and dispersing aid to improve film flexibility and pigment compatibility across different substrate types and printing methods.

Textile and leather processing operations incorporate it as a softening agent and processing solvent to modify substrate feel and improve dye uptake during the manufacturing stages. Lubricant and metalworking formulators apply it as a base component or additive where water-soluble, low-volatility glycol chemistry is required for high-performance industrial applications.

Heptaethylene glycol is supplied as a clear viscous liquid. It is available primarily at high-purity grades suited to pharmaceutical research, specialty chemical synthesis, and performance formulation. Packaging typically ranges from laboratory-scale quantities to drum volumes, reflecting its positioning as a specialty intermediate rather than a commodity glycol for large scale use.