# Ethoxylated C9-11 Alcohol with 6 EO Units: Properties and Applications
## Introduction to C9-11 Pareth 6
C9-11 Pareth 6, also known as ethoxylated C9-11 alcohol with 6 ethylene oxide (EO) units, is a nonionic surfactant widely used in various industrial and consumer applications. This chemical compound belongs to the family of alcohol ethoxylates, which are known for their excellent surface-active properties.
## Chemical Structure and Properties
The molecular structure of C9-11 Pareth 6 consists of a C9-11 alcohol chain (containing 9 to 11 carbon atoms) ethoxylated with an average of 6 ethylene oxide units. This structure gives the compound its characteristic properties:
– Molecular formula: C9-11H19-23O(CH2CH2O)6H
– Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
– Solubility: Soluble in water and most organic solvents
– HLB value: Approximately 12-13 (moderate hydrophilicity)
– pH (1% solution): 5-7 (neutral)
## Key Characteristics
C9-11 Pareth 6 exhibits several important characteristics that make it valuable in various applications:
– Excellent wetting and spreading properties
– Good emulsification capabilities
– Low foam generation compared to higher EO adducts
– Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
– Compatible with a wide range of other surfactants
## Industrial Applications
### 1. Cleaning Products
C9-11 Pareth 6 is extensively used in the formulation of various cleaning products:
– Dishwashing liquids
– Hard surface cleaners
– Industrial and institutional cleaners
– Laundry detergents (particularly in compact formulations)
### 2. Personal Care Products
In the personal care industry, this surfactant finds applications in:
– Shampoos and body washes
– Facial cleansers
– Shaving products
– Cosmetic formulations
### 3. Agricultural Applications
The compound serves as an effective adjuvant in agricultural formulations:
– Wetting agent for pesticides
– Emulsifier in herbicide formulations
– Spray adjuvant to improve coverage
### 4. Industrial Processes
Various industrial sectors utilize C9-11 Pareth 6 for:
– Textile processing aids
– Metalworking fluids
– Paper and pulp processing
– Oilfield chemicals
## Environmental and Safety Considerations
While C9-11 Pareth 6 is generally considered safe for its intended uses, proper handling is essential:
– Biodegradation: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
– Aquatic toxicity: Moderate; should be prevented from entering water systems in large quantities
– Skin irritation: Mild irritant at high concentrations
– Storage: Store in cool, dry places away from strong oxidizers
## Advantages Over Other Surfactants
C9-11 Pareth 6 offers several advantages compared to other surfactants:
– Balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic properties
– Better performance in hard water than anionic surfactants
Keyword: C9-11 Pareth 6
– Lower irritation potential than many ionic surfactants
– Cost-effective performance in many applications
– Stability across a wide pH range
## Future Trends and Developments
The market for C9-11 Pareth 6 continues to evolve with several emerging trends:
– Increasing demand for sustainable and bio-based surfactants
– Development of more concentrated formulations
– Growing applications in specialty cleaning products
– Innovations in combination with other surfactants for enhanced performance
## Conclusion
C9-11 Pareth 6 remains a versatile and valuable surfactant in numerous industries due to its balanced properties, effectiveness, and relatively low environmental impact. As formulation technologies advance and environmental regulations evolve, this ethoxylated alcohol is likely to maintain its important position in surfactant chemistry, particularly in applications requiring moderate hydrophilicity and good cleaning performance.
