Does the CAS number alone distinguish Laureth-4 from higher-EO C12–C14 alcohol ethoxylates?

No. CAS 68439-50-9 covers a broader C12–C14 alcohol-ethoxylate family. “Laureth-4” identifies an average grade near four EO units, but selection still requires the supplied hydroxyl value, physical form, water, and performance under the actual formulation conditions.

What information should be compared when qualifying a substitute for Laureth-4?

Compare the actual C12-C14 feedstock range, nominal EO, hydroxyl value, water, physical form and performance at the intended dosage and temperature. A shared CAS number does not establish grade interchangeability.

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 lower-EO nonionic surfactant based on C12–C14 fatty alcohols with a nominal average of about four ethylene-oxide units. It is used as an oil-affine emulsifier, co-emulsifier and wetting component. Confirm nominal EO, hydroxyl value, water, physical form and application performance against the current COA, TDS and SDS.

CAS: 68439-50-9
Synonyms: Laureth-4, Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate 4EO, Nonionic Surfactant
Einecs: 500-213-3
Molecular Formula: RO-(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ-H (nominal n ≈ 4)
Grade: Specified by nominal EO, hydroxyl value, water, appearance and physical form; see the current TDS and COA.
Package: Drums or bulk; confirm container, liner, net weight and handling for your order and destination.

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Product Description

1 Physicochemical profile

2 Application and grade selection

3 Storage and handling

4 Safety and supply documentation

Physicochemical profile

Item	Technical guidance
Product identity	Laureth-4, an ethoxylated C12-C14 fatty alcohol grade with nominal average near 4 EO units
CAS / EC	68439-50-9 / 500-213-3
Composition	Nonionic homolog distribution rather than one pure molecule
Nominal formula	RO-(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ-H, with nominal n near 4
Typical physical form	Liquid, paste or soft wax depending on composition and temperature
Key quality controls	Nominal EO, hydroxyl value, water, appearance, physical form and supplier-defined emulsification performance

Application and grade selection

Laureth-4 is a lower-EO, relatively oil-affine nonionic surfactant used as an emulsifier, co-emulsifier and wetting component.

Emulsion trials should examine oil-phase compatibility, droplet stability, viscosity and temperature cycling.
Industrial cleaning or textile use requires testing of wetting, detergency, foam and compatibility with the complete surfactant package.
Personal-care use requires an appropriately documented grade and finished-formulation safety assessment.

For related fatty-alcohol ethoxylate grades, see AEO-7 and AEO-9 / MOA-9.

Storage and handling

Store sealed in a dry, ventilated area away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Changes in temperature can alter physical form without establishing product failure; follow the current TDS for conditioning, mixing and sampling.

Safety and supply documentation

Use the exact-grade SDS for personal protection, incompatibilities, transport and disposal.

A sourcing request should identify Laureth-4, nominal EO or reference specification, intended use, package, quantity, destination and required COA, TDS and SDS.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
Does the CAS number alone distinguish Laureth-4 from higher-EO C12–C14 alcohol ethoxylates?

A: No. CAS 68439-50-9 covers a broader C12–C14 alcohol-ethoxylate family. “Laureth-4” identifies an average grade near four EO units, but selection still requires the supplied hydroxyl value, physical form, water, and performance under the actual formulation conditions.
Q:
What information should be compared when qualifying a substitute for Laureth-4?

A: Compare the actual C12-C14 feedstock range, nominal EO, hydroxyl value, water, physical form and performance at the intended dosage and temperature. A shared CAS number does not establish grade interchangeability.

Ordering & Documentation

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

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

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

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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