Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethlene Ether

Product Details

CasNo： 68131-39-5

MF： R - O - (CH₂CH₂O)ₙ - H

Appearance： liquid

Delivery Time： 15 days

Packing： 200kg/drum

Purity： 99%

1. Chemical Composition and Structure​

The general formula of fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether is R - O - (CH₂CH₂O)ₙ - H. Here, R usually represents a saturated or unsaturated C₁₂ - C₁₈ hydrocarbon group, which can be either a linear or branched chain. The value of n indicates the number of ethylene oxide units added, that is, the number of oxyethylene groups in the surfactant molecule. Different values of n and R groups result in a variety of products with distinct properties.​

2. Physical and Chemical Properties​

2.1 Appearance​

Typically, it appears as a colorless liquid or wax - like substance. For example, AEO - 2, AEO - 3, AEO - 5, and AEO - 9 often present as transparent liquids at 25 °C. However, when the molecular weight is relatively high or the degree of ethoxylation is large, it may show a solid - like or paste - like state.​

2.2 Melting Point​

The melting point generally ranges from 41 - 45 °C. But this can vary depending on the length of the alkyl chain (R group) and the number of ethylene oxide units (n value). Longer alkyl chains and higher n values usually lead to a relatively higher melting point.​

2.3 Boiling Point​

It has a boiling point of around 100 °C. Similar to the melting point, the boiling point is also affected by the molecular structure. Substances with more complex structures or longer chains may have slightly different boiling points.​

2.4 Flash Point​

The flash point is > 230 °F. This property is important in terms of safety during storage and transportation, indicating its relatively low flammability under normal conditions.​

2.5 Solubility​

Solubility is closely related to the value of n. When n = 1 - 5, the product is soluble in oils but insoluble in water. As n increases to 6 - 8, it becomes soluble in water. Generally, the larger the value of n, the better the water - solubility. It can also dissolve in solvents such as ethanol and ethylene glycol. For instance, AEO - 9 with a relatively larger n value has good water - solubility and is widely used in water - based cleaning products.​

3. Characteristics​

3.1 High Stability​

The ether bond in the molecule is not easily destroyed by acids or alkalis. It remains stable within a pH range of 3 - 11, which makes it suitable for use in various formulations with different pH values. This stability ensures its effectiveness and performance consistency in different chemical environments.​

3.2 Good Biodegradability​

Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether is easily biodegradable, which is highly beneficial for environmental protection. After being discharged into the environment, it can be decomposed by microorganisms over time, reducing its impact on water bodies, soil, and the overall ecological environment. This property aligns with the global trend towards sustainable development in the chemical industry.​

3.3 Low Foaming​

Compared to some other surfactants, it has relatively low foaming characteristics. This is an advantage in applications where excessive foam may cause problems, such as in high - pressure cleaning systems or in some industrial processes. Low - foaming surfactants can still effectively clean surfaces without the interference of a large amount of foam.​

3.4 Good Compatibility​

It has excellent compatibility with other surfactants. This allows for easy formulation design in the production of various products. For example, in the preparation of multi - functional cleaning agents, it can be combined with anionic, cationic, or other non - ionic surfactants to enhance the overall performance of the product. It also shows good compatibility with hard water, maintaining its performance in water with high calcium and magnesium ion content. However, as the water temperature rises, its solubility may decrease to some extent.​

4. Classification​

4.1 Penetrating Agent JFC​

When the carbon chain R is C₇ - C₉ and n = 5, the resulting fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether is known as penetrating agent JFC in the industry. It has strong penetrating power and is often used in applications where rapid penetration of liquid into solid materials is required, such as in the textile industry for fabric pretreatment.​

4.2 Peregal O​

When the carbon chain R is C₁₂ - C₁₈ and n = 15 - 20, it is called Peregal O in industrial applications. It has good emulsifying and leveling properties and is widely used in the textile and dyeing industry, for example, as a leveling agent in dyeing processes to ensure uniform color distribution on fabrics.​

4.3 AEO Series​

When the carbon chain R is C₁₂, the product is commonly known as the AEO series. Common varieties include AEO - 2, AEO - 3, AEO - 7, and AEO - 9. Each variant has its own unique properties and applications. For example, AEO - 3 is often used as an oil - in - water emulsifier and is also a major raw material for the production of fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate (AES), a high - efficiency detergent. AEO - 7 is used as a disinfectant, degreaser, and raw material for laundry detergents, while AEO - 9 is mainly applied in wool cleaning agents, textile degreasing agents, etc.​

5. Production Method​

The main production method is the condensation method. Fatty alcohols such as dodecyl alcohol or octadecyl alcohol react with ethylene oxide in the presence of a sodium hydroxide catalyst. The reaction occurs under anhydrous and oxygen - free conditions to carry out a ring - opening polymerization reaction, resulting in the formation of fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether. The reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and the ratio of raw materials, need to be precisely controlled to obtain products with the desired degree of ethoxylation (n value) and quality.​

6. Applications​

6.1 Detergent Industry​

It is a major active ingredient in various cleaning products. In hand sanitizers, laundry detergents, shower gels, washing powders, dishwashing detergents, and metal cleaners, it plays roles in emulsification, foaming, and decontamination. For example, in laundry detergents, it can effectively remove various stains such as oil, dirt, and protein - based stains by emulsifying and dispersing them in water, making the washing process more efficient.​

6.2 Textile and Dyeing Industry​

As a textile and dyeing auxiliary, it serves multiple functions. It can act as an emulsifier, for example, in the emulsification of silicone oil to make it evenly distributed in the textile treatment solution. It is also used as a penetrating agent to help dyes penetrate fabrics evenly, as a leveling agent to ensure uniform dyeing, and as a fiber oil agent to improve the smoothness and processability of fibers during textile production.​

6.3 Papermaking Industry​

In the papermaking industry, it can be used as a deinking agent to remove ink from recycled paper pulp, a blanket cleaner to clean the papermaking machine's blankets, and a resin remover to eliminate pitch and resin - related problems in the papermaking process, thereby improving the quality of paper products.​

6.4 Other Industries​

It is also widely used in other fields. In the pesticide industry, it is used as an emulsifier to make pesticide formulations more stable and easier to spray. In the petroleum industry, it can be used as a crude oil demulsifier to separate water from crude oil. In the lubricant industry, it serves as an emulsifier to make water - based lubricants.​

7. Storage and Transportation​

It should be stored in a cool, ventilated, and dry place. During storage, it should be protected from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and moisture. Since it is a non - dangerous chemical in general, it can be transported as a normal chemical. However, during transportation, measures should still be taken to prevent leakage and damage to the packaging to ensure the quality of the product remains intact.​