Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether, identified by CAS 68213-23-0, is a high-efficiency non-ionic surfactant synthesized through the ethoxylation of C12-18 fatty alcohols. As a versatile fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, this technical-grade ethoxylated fatty alcohol functions as a primary scouring and emulsifying agent in various textile auxiliary formulation processes. This biodegradable polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ether is valued for its exceptional wetting, dispersing, and degreasing properties within acidic or alkaline aqueous systems. Our facility provides competitive factory pricing and customized specifications regarding the degree of ethoxylation to ensure optimal Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) for specific industrial requirements. For procurement and technical validation, we offer comprehensive MSDS, TDS, COA documentation and maintain consistent bulk supply for large-scale manufacturing.
Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether CAS 68213-23-0
- CAS: 68213-23-0
- Synonyms: C12-18 Ethoxylated Alcohols, Polyethylene glycol cetyl/stearyl ether, AEO, Alcohols C12-18 ethoxylated
- Einecs: 500-201-8
- Molecular Formula: RO(CH2CH2O)nH
- Grade: Industrial Grade / Detergent Grade
- Package: 200kg/Iron Drum or 1000kg/IBC Drum.
Product Description
The AEO series are non-ionic surfactants prepared by the ethoxylation of fatty alcohols. Their properties change depending on the number of EO molecules (n) added:
- AEO-3 (n=3): Lipophilic (oil-loving). Used primarily as a W/O (Water-in-Oil) emulsifier and intermediate for AES production.
- AEO-7 (n=7): Excellent emulsifying and cleaning properties. Used in industrial degreasers and textile auxiliaries.
- AEO-9 (n=9): Highly hydrophilic (water-soluble). It offers superior detergency, wetting, and emulsifying power. It is a key ingredient in laundry detergents and household cleaners, often serving as a greener alternative to Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NP-9).
Physicochemical Properties
The table below compares the three most standard export specifications.
| Parameter | AEO-3 (MOA-3) | AEO-7 (MOA-7) | AEO-9 (MOA-9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance (25°C) | Colorless transparent liquid | Colorless liquid to milky paste | White paste or soft solid |
| Color (Hazen/Pt-Co) | ≤ 50 | ≤ 50 | ≤ 50 |
| pH Value (1% Sol.) | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.0 – 7.0 | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Cloud Point (°C) | N/A (Oil soluble) | 40 – 50 (in BDG*) | 75 – 85 (in Water) |
| HLB Value | 7.0 – 8.0 | 12.0 – 13.0 | 13.0 – 14.0 |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% |
| Solubility | Soluble in oil/ethanol | Dispersible in water | Easily soluble in water |
*Note regarding AEO-9: At low temperatures (<20°C), AEO-9 solidifies into a paste. This is a normal physical property.
Applications
- Household Detergents (AEO-9):
- Key active ingredient in laundry liquids, dishwashing detergents, and hard surface cleaners. Excellent grease removal.
- Textile Industry (AEO-7 / AEO-9):
- Used as a scouring agent, penetrating agent, and leveling agent in dyeing processes. Effectively removes wax and oil from fibers.
- Industrial Cleaning:
- Metal degreasing agents and engine cleaners.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care:
- Used as an emulsifier in creams and lotions.
- Agrochemicals:
- Used as an emulsifier in pesticide formulations.
Storage Conditions
- Temperature: Store in a dry, cool, and ventilated warehouse.
- Physical State: AEO-9 may solidify in winter. It is recommended to heat the drum partially (using a hot room or drum heater belt) to liquefy it before use if it has turned to paste.
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions. Avoid strong oxidizing agents.
- Shelf Life: 2 years (24 months).
Safety Precautions
- General: Non-ionic surfactants are generally considered low-toxicity, but concentrated forms can be irritating.
- Eye Contact: Causes serious eye damage/irritation. Wear safety goggles. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
- Skin Contact: May cause mild irritation. Wash with soap and water.
- Environmental: Do not discharge pure product into uncontrolled water sources, although it is biodegradable.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether CAS 68213-23-0?
A: Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether CAS 68213-23-0 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting C12-18 fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide. It is commonly called AEO or C12-18 ethoxylated alcohol and is used in detergents, cleaners, textile auxiliaries, degreasers, and emulsifier systems. -
Q:
What do AEO-3, AEO-7, and AEO-9 mean?
A: AEO-3, AEO-7, and AEO-9 refer to the average number of ethylene oxide units added to the fatty alcohol chain. AEO-3 is oil-soluble and used mainly as a W/O emulsifier or intermediate, AEO-7 offers balanced wetting and emulsifying, and AEO-9 is water-soluble with strong detergency and wetting power. -
Q:
Why does CAS 68213-23-0 cover products with different EO numbers?
A: CAS 68213-23-0 is the broad registry entry for ethoxylated C12-18 alcohols rather than one exact ethoxylation level. Suppliers therefore use the same CAS for AEO-3, AEO-7, AEO-9, and related grades, with the actual product defined by the EO number and specification sheet. -
Q:
How does the ethylene oxide number affect cloud point and HLB?
A: As the EO number increases, the molecule becomes more water-soluble, so HLB rises and the water-based cloud point generally increases. AEO-3 is oil-soluble with a low HLB, AEO-7 has an HLB around 12.0-13.0, and AEO-9 typically has an HLB around 13.0-14.0 with a water cloud point near 75-85 deg C. -
Q:
What industrial applications is this AEO product used for?
A: AEO products are used in laundry detergents, household and hard-surface cleaners, industrial degreasers, textile dyeing auxiliaries, emulsification, and wetting. AEO-9 is often chosen as a more readily biodegradable alternative to nonylphenol ethoxylates such as NP-9.
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