Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated
[CAS# 68439-49-6]

Identification

• Classification: Food additive >> Emulsifier
• Name: Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated
• Synonyms: Ethoxylated cetostearyl alcohols
• CAS Registry Number: 68439-49-6
• EC Number: 500-212-8

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H302-H315-H318-H410
• Precautionary Statements: P264-P273-P280-P301+P312-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410

Discovory and Applicatios

Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated are a class of nonionic surfactants commonly used in various industrial and household applications. These surfactants are produced by the ethoxylation process, where fatty alcohols derived from natural sources, such as palm kernel oil or coconut oil, are reacted with ethylene oxide. This chemical reaction adds ethylene oxide units to the alcohol chain, resulting in a compound with both hydrophobic (fatty alcohol) and hydrophilic (ethylene oxide groups) characteristics.

The fatty alcohols in Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated typically consist of chain lengths ranging from 16 to 18 carbon atoms, which contribute to the surfactant's emulsifying, wetting, and cleansing properties. The degree of ethoxylation, or the number of ethylene oxide units added, influences the balance between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, affecting the surfactant's solubility and performance in different formulations.

Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated are widely used in a variety of applications, particularly in cleaning and personal care products. In household cleaners, detergents, and industrial formulations, they are valued for their ability to reduce surface tension, improve spreadability, and enhance the cleaning power of products. They are effective in removing grease, oils, and dirt, making them key ingredients in products such as all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, and dishwashing liquids.

In personal care products, Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated are often included as emulsifiers, solubilizers, and conditioning agents. They are used in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and lotions to help mix water with oils and other ingredients, improving the texture and stability of the formulations. Their mildness and ability to cleanse without stripping natural oils from the skin or hair make them suitable for sensitive skin formulations.

The environmental impact of Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated is an important consideration in their use. As nonionic surfactants, they tend to be more biodegradable than ionic surfactants, making them a more eco-friendly choice for many applications. However, their environmental safety can be influenced by the degree of ethoxylation and the presence of impurities, such as 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct that can be toxic if present in significant amounts. Regulatory bodies have set limits on the amount of 1,4-dioxane in products to ensure their safety for both human health and the environment.

In summary, Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated are versatile and widely used nonionic surfactants in cleaning and personal care formulations. Their ability to emulsify, clean, and condition makes them valuable in a variety of household and industrial products, while their relatively mild nature and biodegradability contribute to their appeal as a more environmentally responsible choice in surfactant applications.