• Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether-5 (LAURETH-5) CAS 6540-99-4

Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether-5 (LAURETH-5) CAS 6540-99-4

Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether-5, widely recognized by its INCI name Laureth-5 and registered under CAS 6540-99-4 (also commonly associated with CAS 9002-92-0), is a high-performance non-ionic surfactant derived from natural lauryl alcohol. Produced by the ethoxylation of dodecanol with approximately 5 moles of ethylene oxide, this compound offers an ideal Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) of around 10-11, making it an excellent emulsifier, wetting agent, and detergent. It is a clear to cloudy liquid or soft paste at room temperature, exhibiting superior solubility in organic solvents and good dispersibility in water. Laureth-5 is extensively utilized in the personal care industry for creams and lotions, as well as in textile processing and industrial cleaning formulations due to its biodegradability and low toxicity. We supply high-purity industrial and cosmetic grades in bulk drums with complete TDS and COA support.

  • CAS: 6540-99-4
  • Synonyms: Laureth-5, PEG-5 Lauryl Ether, POE (5) Lauryl Ether, Polyethylene Glycol Monododecyl Ether (5 EO), Dodecyl alcohol ethoxylate (5EO), C12E5 Surfactant.
  • Einecs: 500-213-3
  • Molecular Formula: C₂₂H₄₆O₆
  • Grade: Industrial grade 99%
  • Package: 200kg iron drum or 50kg plastic drum packaging
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Product Description

Physicochemical properties

PropertyDescription
English NamePolyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether-5 (LAURETH-5)
CAS Number6540-99-4
Molecular FormulaC₂₂H₄₆O₆ (average structure, actual molecular weight may vary slightly due to EO distribution)
Molecular WeightApproximately 410-450 g/mol (average)
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow transparent liquid or paste
SolubilitySoluble in water and organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol), forming stable emulsions
HLB ValueApproximately 10-12 (moderate hydrophilicity, suitable for O/W emulsions)
Density1.0 ± 0.1 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
Boiling PointDecomposes before boiling (not applicable)
Flash Point> 100°C (closed cup)
ViscosityVaries with concentration; forms low-viscosity solutions in water at low levels
pH StabilityStable in a wide pH range (pH 3-10)
Thermal StabilityStable at temperatures up to 100°C for short periods; prolonged exposure to high temperatures may cause degradation
Clarity Point (Cloud Point)Approximately 50-70°C (1% aqueous solution, varies with EO content)
Surface TensionReduces surface tension significantly (e.g., to ~30-40 mN/m at 0.1% concentration in water)

Application Areas

– Cosmetics: Shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers.
– Textile Industry: Leveling agent in dyeing processes.
– Industrial Cleaning: Detergents, degreasers, and metal cleaning formulations.
– Agriculture: Adjuvant in pesticide formulations to improve spray coverage.

Storage conditions

Storage temperature: 2-8 ° C (refrigerated) to avoid degradation or deterioration caused by high temperatures.
Original packaging preservation: Use factory sealed containers to prevent air and moisture from entering and causing oxidation or hydrolysis.
Avoid light and moisture: Store in a cool and dry place, avoid contact with strong light and humid environments (such as using opaque containers or aluminum foil wrapping).

‌‌Safety precautions

Safe storage label
Label requirements: Containers must be labeled with the chemical name, CAS number, hazard symbol (such as “irritant”), and storage conditions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
During operation: Wear chemical resistant gloves (such as nitrile rubber gloves), protective goggles, and lab coats to prevent skin or eye contact.
Emergency response: In case of leakage or spillage, immediately rinse the contaminated area with plenty of water and replace contaminated clothing.
Ventilation and operating environment
Ventilation requirements: Use in well ventilated laboratories or industrial areas, avoiding inhalation of volatile gases (although LAURETH-5 has lower volatility).
Keep away from sources of ignition: Although not flammable, avoid contact with open flames, high-temperature surfaces, or static sparks as a precautionary measure

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

  • Q:

    What is the HLB value of Laureth-5 and why does it matter?

    A: Laureth-5 typically has an HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) value between 10 and 11. This range makes it a versatile intermediate emulsifier, suitable for creating oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions and acting as a powerful wetting agent in cleaning formulations.
  • Q:

    Is Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether-5 compatible with other surfactants?

    A: Yes, as a non-ionic surfactant, Laureth-5 is compatible with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. It is often used in combination with anionic surfactants (like SLES) to improve foam stability and mildness in cosmetic formulations.
  • Q:

    What is the physical appearance of CAS 6540-99-4 (Laureth-5)?

    A: Depending on the ambient temperature and exact ethoxylation degree, it generally appears as a clear to hazy viscous liquid or a soft white paste. It becomes more fluid upon slight heating.
Documents

Documents and Product Support

For product review and sourcing evaluation, supporting documents can be coordinated according to the product type, inquiry stage, and order requirements.

  • COA for batch-based quality reference
  • TDS for key physical and chemical information
  • SDS / MSDS for handling, storage, and safety reference
  • Packing information for sample, trial, and bulk orders
  • Technical communication based on application and specification requirements
Quotation

Information to Confirm Before Quotation

Clear sourcing information helps reduce specification mismatch and allows a more accurate quotation before sample or bulk order discussion.

  • Product name and CAS number
  • Application or intended end use
  • Required purity, grade, or specification
  • Sample quantity, trial order, or bulk demand
  • Preferred packing form or net weight
  • Destination country or port
  • Required documents or compliance expectations
Storage & Handling

Packaging, Storage, and Handling Notes

Packaging form, storage conditions, shelf life, and shipment arrangements should be confirmed according to the product characteristics, package size, and destination requirements.

Before order confirmation, buyers are advised to review the corresponding product documents and confirm whether any special storage, labeling, or handling requirements apply.

Supply Support

Sample, Bulk Order and Repeat Supply Support

Support can be arranged for sample discussion, bulk supply planning, packaging confirmation, and routine sourcing communication based on the actual product and order requirements.

For repeat-use formulations or long-term procurement plans, buyers may discuss specification consistency, packaging preferences, delivery expectations, and document coordination in advance.

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