Basic Information
- Chemical Name: C12-C15 Alcohol Ethoxylates (7 EO)
- Synonyms: molar 7 fatty alcohol ethoxylate, C12-C15 alcohol ethoxylate, 7 molar ethoxylate
- Molecular structure: R-(OCH2CH2)n-OH, where R is a fatty alcohol with a carbon chain length of C12 to C15, n = 7 (with an average of 7 oxyvinyl units added).
–Appearance:
- Usually colorless to light yellow liquid or waxy solid (temperature affects appearance).
- Soluble in water or polar solvents.
Primary Properties
- Surface Activity Properties:
- Excellent wetting, emulsifying, detergenizing and dispersing abilities.
- Non-ionic surfactants for a wide range of formulations and environments.
- Hydrophilic and lipophilic equilibrium value (HLB) :**
- HLB values of approximately 12-14 are suitable for water-in-oil (O/W) emulsified systems.
- Chemical Stability:**
- Resistant to acids and alkalis, suitable for a wide pH range (typically pH 3-12).
- Water Solubility:
- Soluble in water at room temperature to form a clear solution.
- Foam Performance:
- Medium to low foam for low-foaming formulations.
Applications
- Household Cleaner:
- Used as a primary stain remover in laundry detergents, dish soaps and multi-purpose cleaners to remove grease and dirt efficiently.
- Industrial Cleaning:
- Used in metal cleaners, automotive cleaners and hard surface cleaners to provide superior wetting and emulsifying capabilities.
- Agriculture:
- As a wetting agent or co-solvent in pesticide formulations to improve pesticide permeability and coverage.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care:**
- Can be used in shampoos, shower gels and skin care products as a solubilizer and emulsifier.
- Textile & Dyestuff Industry:**
- In the textile industry as penetrants and emulsifiers for pretreatment and dyeing and finishing processes.
Pros
- Non-ionic, adaptable, stable under acidic and alkaline conditions.
- Low toxicity, environmentally friendly, biodegradable.
- Good compatibility with other surfactants to enhance the performance of the formulation.
Storage and precautions
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
- The container should be tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
- Security:**
- Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, rinse with plenty of water.
- If ingested or inhaled, seek medical attention promptly.
- Eco-friendly:
- The product is readily biodegradable, but concentrate discharge should avoid direct access to natural water bodies.
Summary:
C12-C15 alcohol ethoxylate (7 EO) is a nonionic surfactant with excellent performance, which is widely used in industrial and daily life applications, especially for wetting, emulsifying and decontamination.