Language

Current Language
    Change Language
    Chemical products
    Related: Laureth-4 CAS 68439-50-9 AEO-7
    • Laureth-4 (Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol) CAS 68439-50-9

    Laureth-4 (Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol) CAS 68439-50-9

    Laureth-4 (CAS 68439-50-9), also called lauryl alcohol ethoxylate 4EO or ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a nonionic surfactant based on C12–C14 fatty alcohols with a nominal average of about four ethylene-oxide units. It has a relatively low degree of ethoxylation and is used as a lipophilic emulsifier, co-emulsifier and wetting component. Grade selection considers the nominal EO number, hydroxyl value, water content, physical form and performance in the intended formulation. COA, TDS and SDS are available for specification and handling information.

    • CAS: 68439-50-9
    • Synonyms: Laureth-4, Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate 4EO
    • Molecular Formula: Composition: RO-(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ-H; R = C12–C14 alkyl; average n ≈ 4
    • Grade: Industrial C12–C14 alcohol ethoxylate, nominal 4EO; hydroxyl value, water, active matter and appearance are specified in the quoted TDS and COA.
    • Package: Drum or bulk packaging; container type and net weight are specified in the quotation.
    Request a quote
    Share:

    Product Description

    1 Identity and physical profile
    2 Quality data for grade qualification
    3 Application and grade comparison
    4 Storage, handling and quotations

    Identity and physical profile

    ItemGrade information
    Product identityLaureth-4, a nonionic C12–C14 alcohol ethoxylate with a nominal average of about 4 EO units
    CAS number68439-50-9; the CAS number alone does not specify the average EO level
    CompositionA mixture of homologues with different alcohol-chain lengths and EO addition numbers, rather than one pure molecule
    Composition representationRO-(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ-H; R represents C12–C14 alkyl groups and n has a nominal average of about 4
    Typical physical formTypically a clear to slightly cloudy liquid; appearance and flow can change with temperature
    Selection parametersAlcohol-chain composition, average EO number, hydroxyl value, water, active matter, color and formulation performance

    Quality data for grade qualification

    Hydroxyl value, reported in mg KOH/g with the test method, measures hydroxyl-group content and helps compare average molar mass when alcohol-chain composition, hydroxyl functionality and concentration are comparable; it does not establish the full EO distribution. Water can be measured by Karl Fischer titration. Active matter is a concentration measure, not the purity of a single homologue. Appearance and color data should include the test temperature and method.

    For applications with residual-impurity requirements, test reports for residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane can be provided. Headspace GC-MS can measure these trace impurities with a method validated for the quoted-grade matrix. Reports should state each analyte, mass concentration in mg/kg, test method, detection and quantification limits (LOD/LOQ), and batch or grade basis. These results are different from a single-peak GC purity claim for the whole homolog mixture.

    Application and grade comparison

    Laureth-4 is a relatively oil-affine emulsifier, co-emulsifier and wetting component. Its lower EO level makes oil-phase compatibility and the behavior of the complete surfactant blend important to formulation selection.

    • Emulsion trials assess oil-phase compatibility, droplet stability, viscosity and temperature cycling.
    • Industrial cleaning and textile trials assess wetting, detergency, foam and compatibility at the intended dosage and temperature.
    • Personal-care use requires a grade qualified for that use and a safety assessment of the finished formulation; the INCI name alone is not a market approval.

    For higher-EO comparison, AEO-7 and AEO-9 / MOA-9 have different average EO levels. Laureth-10 is a further higher-EO lauryl-ether option. The alcohol-chain composition and EO distribution also need to match the formulation.

    E-1307 isotridecyl alcohol ethoxylate offers a branched C13, approximately 7EO comparison for wetting and emulsification. It is not a direct equivalent of the C12–C14 Laureth-4 grade; replacement requires formulation testing.

    Storage, handling and quotations

    Store in sealed containers in a dry, ventilated area away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Cooling may increase viscosity or alter physical form; an appearance change alone does not prove a quality failure. Conditioning, mixing and sampling conditions are given in the grade-specific TDS. The SDS covers handling, personal protection, transport and disposal.

    For a bulk quotation, send the product name or CAS number, quantity and destination. A reference specification or intended application helps select the grade, with packaging and net weight included in the quotation.

    FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

    • Q:

      Does CAS 68439-50-9 identify only Laureth-4?

      A: No. This CAS number is used for commercial C12–C14 alcohol ethoxylates with different EO levels. Laureth-4 indicates a nominal average of about four EO units. Alcohol-chain composition, EO distribution, hydroxyl value and formulation performance distinguish the grade.
    • Q:

      Are AEO-7, AEO-9 and E-1307 direct replacements for Laureth-4?

      A: No. AEO-7 and AEO-9 have higher average EO levels, while E-1307 uses branched C13 alcohol with about seven EO units. These differences can change oil/water compatibility, wetting, foam and emulsion behavior. They are comparison options; replacement needs testing in the actual formulation at its intended dosage and temperature.

    Ordering & Documentation

    Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

    Documents

    Tell us which documents your procurement team needs. Before an order, we will check whether the quoted source can provide them for the offered lot.

    Quotation

    Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

    Sample & Supply

    Ask whether samples, trial quantities or repeat orders are possible. We will check each request against the sourced product and current offer.

    Storage & Shipping

    Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

    Contact Form

    Use our contact form to send us your questions, suggestions or comments. We will respond as soon as possible.
    For a quotation, please include the product name or CAS number, quantity, grade or application, and destination country or port. Tell us if you need a sample, COA, TDS or SDS.

    Product Categories

    Related Products