alpha-Tridecyl-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) branched
[CAS# 69011-36-5]

Identification

• Classification: Surfactant >> Nonionic surfactant >> Polyol ester type
• Name: alpha-Tridecyl-omega-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) branched
• Synonyms: Polyethylene glycol mono(branched tridecyl) ether
• CAS Registry Number: 69011-36-5
• EC Number: 500-241-6

Properties

• Density: 1 g/mL (59 °F) (Expl.)
• Boiling point: Very high (Expl.)
• Flash point: 385 °F (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H318-H319
• Safety Statements: P264-P264+P265-P270-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H301
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H318

Discovery and Applications

α-Tridecyl-ω-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), branched, is a synthetic nonionic surfactant composed of a hydrophobic alkyl chain (tridecyl group) and a hydrophilic polyether chain derived from ethylene oxide. The compound is structurally defined by a tridecyl alcohol moiety at one end (α-position), a terminal hydroxyl group at the other end (ω-position), and a polymeric backbone formed by repeating ethylene oxide units (–CH₂CH₂O–). The term "branched" indicates that the tridecyl group or the polyether chain includes branching, which influences the compound’s solubility, surface activity, and physical properties.

The development of such nonionic surfactants began in the mid-20th century in response to industrial and domestic needs for effective surface-active agents with low toxicity, good emulsification capabilities, and wide compatibility with other formulation components. Alkoxylated alcohols, particularly those based on ethylene oxide and higher fatty alcohols, became a major class of surfactants due to their versatility and biodegradability. The introduction of branching, either in the alkyl chain or in the polymer segment, was found to improve performance characteristics such as low foaming, wetting ability, and resistance to hard water.

α-Tridecyl-ω-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), branched, is used widely in cleaning agents, detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants. In household and industrial cleaners, it serves as a primary or co-surfactant, where it reduces surface tension, enhances soil removal, and aids in the emulsification of oily residues. The balance between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments—often described by the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB)—determines its suitability for specific applications. Variants with longer ethylene oxide chains are more hydrophilic and better suited for use in aqueous systems, while those with shorter chains favor emulsification of water in oil systems.

In agriculture, this surfactant is used in formulations for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, where it improves the spread and adhesion of active ingredients on plant surfaces. Its low phytotoxicity and effectiveness in reducing surface tension are critical for efficient application and absorption.

In the textile and leather industries, α-tridecyl-ω-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), branched, is used as a wetting and scouring agent. Its ability to penetrate and solubilize hydrophobic impurities on fibers enhances pre-treatment processes. In dyeing operations, it ensures uniform dye distribution and improves fabric wettability.

The compound is also used in paints, coatings, and polymer dispersions to stabilize emulsions, control particle size, and prevent phase separation. Its performance under varying pH and temperature conditions makes it suitable for use in complex formulations.

From a physicochemical perspective, this surfactant exhibits low critical micelle concentration (CMC), good thermal and chemical stability, and minimal foaming in many formulations. The presence of branching typically reduces the tendency to crystallize or gel at low temperatures, thereby improving handling and stability in concentrated solutions.

In terms of environmental and safety considerations, nonionic surfactants based on ethoxylated alcohols, including α-tridecyl-ω-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), have been evaluated for biodegradability and aquatic toxicity. Many such compounds show moderate to good biodegradability under aerobic conditions. However, the rate of degradation and environmental impact depend on the degree of ethoxylation and the structure of the alkyl group, including the extent and position of branching.

Analytically, the compound is characterized by techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to determine molecular weight distribution and composition. The average number of ethylene oxide units (typically indicated as moles of EO) is a key specification that controls performance attributes.

In summary, α-tridecyl-ω-hydroxypoly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), branched, is a versatile nonionic surfactant used across a broad spectrum of industries for its emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties. Its structural design allows for customization in various applications, from household cleaning products to industrial processes, with a favorable balance between performance, safety, and environmental compatibility.

References

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