Ethoxylated C9-11 Alcohol with 6 EO Units: Properties and Applications
# Ethoxylated C9-11 Alcohol with 6 EO Units: Properties and Applications
## Introduction to C9-11 Pareth 6
C9-11 Pareth 6, also known as ethoxylated C9-11 alcohol with 6 ethylene oxide (EO) units, is a nonionic surfactant widely used in various industries. This chemical compound is derived from the reaction of C9-11 fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide, resulting in a product with excellent surface-active properties.
## Chemical Properties
The molecular structure of C9-11 Pareth 6 consists of:
– A hydrophobic tail (C9-11 alkyl chain)
– A hydrophilic head (6 EO units)
– Molecular weight: Approximately 400-450 g/mol
– Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
– Solubility: Soluble in water and most organic solvents
– HLB value: Around 12-13 (moderate hydrophilicity)
## Physical Characteristics
C9-11 Pareth 6 exhibits several notable physical properties:
Property | Value
Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy liquid
Color | Colorless to pale yellow
Odor | Mild, characteristic
Density | ~0.95-1.00 g/cm³ at 20°C
Viscosity | 50-100 mPa·s at 25°C
Flash Point | >100°C
Pour Point | <0°C
Keyword: C9-11 Pareth 6
## Key Applications
### 1. Household and Industrial Cleaning
C9-11 Pareth 6 serves as an effective surfactant in various cleaning formulations:
– Dishwashing liquids
– Hard surface cleaners
– Laundry detergents
– Industrial degreasers
### 2. Personal Care Products
In cosmetic and personal care formulations, this surfactant offers:
– Mild cleansing properties
– Good foaming characteristics
– Compatibility with skin
– Use in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers
### 3. Agricultural Applications
The compound finds use in agricultural formulations as:
– Wetting agent in pesticide formulations
– Emulsifier for agricultural chemicals
– Adjuvant to improve spray coverage
### 4. Textile Processing
In textile industries, C9-11 Pareth 6 functions as:
– Scouring agent for natural fibers
– Wetting agent in dyeing processes
– Emulsifier for textile auxiliaries
## Advantages Over Other Surfactants
C9-11 Pareth 6 offers several benefits compared to similar surfactants:
– Balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic properties
– Better solubility profile than higher EO variants
– Improved biodegradability compared to some alternatives
– Lower irritation potential than sulfate-based surfactants
– Cost-effective performance in many formulations
## Handling and Safety Considerations
While generally considered safe for many applications, proper handling is essential:
– Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling
– Store in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources
– Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure
– Follow local regulations for disposal
– Check compatibility with other formulation ingredients
## Environmental Profile
C9-11 Pareth 6 demonstrates favorable environmental characteristics:
– Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
– Low potential for bioaccumulation
– Moderate aquatic toxicity (follow proper disposal guidelines)
– Not classified as a PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic) substance
## Future Outlook
The demand for C9-11 Pareth 6 is expected to grow due to:
– Increasing need for effective yet mild surfactants
– Growth in personal care and home care markets
– Development of more sustainable formulations
– Expansion in emerging economies
As formulators seek balanced performance characteristics, C9-11 Pareth 6 remains a versatile choice among ethoxylated alcohol surfactants.
