# Ethoxylated C9-11 Alcohol with 6 EO Units: A Versatile Surfactant
## Introduction to C9-11 Pareth 6
C9-11 Pareth 6, also known as Ethoxylated C9-11 Alcohol with 6 EO Units, is a nonionic surfactant widely used in various industrial and consumer applications. This chemical compound is created through the ethoxylation of C9-11 fatty alcohols with approximately 6 ethylene oxide (EO) units.
## Chemical Properties and Structure
The molecular structure of C9-11 Pareth 6 consists of:
– A hydrophobic tail (C9-11 alcohol chain)
– A hydrophilic head (6 ethylene oxide units)
This amphiphilic structure gives the compound its excellent surfactant properties, allowing it to reduce surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid.
## Key Applications
### 1. Cleaning Products
C9-11 Pareth 6 is commonly found in:
– Dishwashing liquids
– Laundry detergents
– All-purpose cleaners
– Industrial cleaners
### 2. Personal Care Products
The mild nature of this surfactant makes it suitable for:
– Shampoos
– Body washes
– Facial cleansers
– Shaving products
### 3. Industrial Applications
Beyond household products, C9-11 Pareth 6 serves important functions in:
Keyword: C9-11 Pareth 6
– Textile processing
– Agricultural formulations
– Metalworking fluids
– Paint and coatings
## Performance Characteristics
This ethoxylated alcohol offers several advantageous properties:
– Excellent wetting and emulsifying capabilities
– Good solubility in water
– Low foam generation compared to higher EO variants
– Compatibility with various pH ranges
– Biodegradability under appropriate conditions
## Safety and Environmental Considerations
While generally considered safe for use in formulated products, proper handling procedures should always be followed:
– Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling concentrated forms
– Store in cool, dry places away from oxidizing agents
– Follow local regulations for disposal
– Consider biodegradation pathways when assessing environmental impact
## Comparison with Other Ethoxylated Alcohols
C9-11 Pareth 6 occupies a middle ground in terms of:
– Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB)
– Foaming characteristics
– Detergency power
– Solubility profile
Compared to similar compounds with fewer EO units, it offers better water solubility, while maintaining better oil solubility than higher EO variants.
## Formulation Considerations
When incorporating C9-11 Pareth 6 into products, formulators should consider:
– Optimal concentration ranges for specific applications
– Compatibility with other ingredients
– Temperature effects on performance
– pH stability requirements
– Potential synergistic effects with other surfactants
## Market Availability and Specifications
Commercial grades of C9-11 Pareth 6 typically have the following specifications:
– Appearance: Clear liquid to semi-solid
– Color: Colorless to pale yellow
– Odor: Mild, characteristic
– Active content: Typically 99-100%
– Cloud point: Approximately 40-50°C (1% in water)
## Future Trends and Developments
As sustainability becomes increasingly important, research continues on:
– Improving the environmental profile
– Enhancing performance at lower concentrations
– Developing more efficient production methods
– Exploring new application areas
C9-11 Pareth 6 remains a versatile workhorse surfactant that balances performance, cost, and environmental considerations across multiple industries.