Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate, NPEO, NPE, 68412-54-4

NONYLPHENOL ETHOXYLATE (NPE)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

• Chemical Name: Polyethylene glycol mono(branched nonylphenyl) ether; Nonylphenol ethoxylate (branched)

• Synonyms: NPEO, NPE, Nonoxynol (with varying EO numbers e.g., Nonoxynol-4, -9, -12), Octoxynol-9, Triton N-101, Igepal CO series, Tergitol NP series, Surfonic N series

• CAS Number: 68412-54-4

• EC Number (EINECS): 500-209-1

• General Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₄O.(C₂H₄O)ₙ (where n = average number of ethylene oxide units)

• Chemical Class: Non-ionic surfactant (ethoxylated alkylphenol)

• UN Number: 3082 (Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s.)

2. Available Grades and EO Content

3. Physical Properties

3.1 General Physical Properties (Typical for NP-9)

3.2 Solubility

4. Chemical Properties

4.1 Molecular Structure

Structure: C₉H₁₉-C₆H₄–O–(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ–H

Where:

• C₉H₁₉: Highly branched nonyl group (hydrophobic tail) 

• C₆H₄: Phenylene ring

• n: Average number of ethylene oxide units (4 to 100+)

4.2 HLB and EO Content Relationship

4.3 Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)

4.4 Chemical Stability

4.5 Incompatibilities

• Strong oxidizing agents

• Strong reducing agents

• Strong acids (may cause hydrolysis at high temperatures)

5. Production Method

5.1 Ethoxylation Process

Reaction: C₁₅H₂₄O (Nonylphenol) + n C₂H₄O → C₁₅H₂₄O.(C₂H₄O)ₙ

Process:

1. Nonylphenol (branched isomer mixture) is charged to a reactor

2. Alkaline catalyst (KOH or NaOH) is added

3. Ethylene oxide is added under pressure (2-5 bar) at 120-180°C

4. The exothermic reaction requires cooling

5. Product is neutralized, filtered, and packaged

Typical yield: >98%

6. Mechanism of Action

6.1 Surface Activity

7. Industrial Applications

7.1 Emulsion Polymerization

7.2 Paints and Coatings

7.3 Industrial and Institutional Cleaners

7.4 Oilfield Chemicals

7.5 Textile Industry

7.6 Agricultural Formulations

7.7 Metalworking Fluids

7.8 Cosmetics and Personal Care (Limited)

8. Toxicity and Environmental Concerns (Critical)

8.1 Regulatory Status – Restricted Use

Important Notice: Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are heavily restricted in many jurisdictions due to environmental persistence and toxicity:

8.2 Environmental Fate – Biodegradation

• Primary biodegradation: 90-100% loss of surface activity under semi-continuous activated sludge method 

• Metabolites: Forms nonylphenol (NP), NP monoethoxylate (NPE1), and NP diethoxylate (NPE2) as persistent degradation intermediates 

• Nonylphenol toxicity: More toxic and persistent than parent compound; acts as an endocrine disruptor

• Complete mineralization: Limited; EO chain degrades but aromatic ring persists 

8.3 Aquatic Toxicity (Nonylphenol)

8.4 GHS Classification

8.5 Human Health

8.6 California Prop 65 Warning

Nonylphenol ethoxylates may contain trace levels of residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both listed as carcinogens under California Proposition 65 .

9. Safety Precautions and PPE

• Hazards:

  • Causes serious eye damage (H318)

  • Harmful if swallowed (H302)

  • Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H411)

  • May contain trace ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane

• PPE (mandatory):

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile)

  • Chemical splash goggles (EN 166) or face shield

  • Protective clothing (for industrial handling)

• First aid:

  • Eye contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; seek immediate medical attention

  • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do NOT induce vomiting; drink water; seek medical attention

10. Storage and Handling

10.1 Storage Conditions

10.2 Special Storage Notes

• Carbon steel tanks: May be used for anhydrous storage, but moisture ingress causes severe corrosion. Use nitrogen blanket for long-term storage 

• Solid sediment: May form upon standing. Maintain circulation in storage vessel 

• Heat tracing: Recommended for transfer lines in cold environments 

11. Transport Information

12. Synonyms and Common Names

• English: Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, NPE, NPEO, Nonoxynol (with number indicating EO count), Polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, Ethoxylated nonylphenol

• Trade names: Triton N series (Dow), Igepal CO series (Solvay), Tergitol NP series (Dow), Surfonic N series (Indorama Ventures), Antarox CA, Synperonic NP

• Specific grades: Nonoxynol-4 (4 EO), Nonoxynol-9 (9 EO, average Mn 617), Nonoxynol-12 (12 EO), Nonoxynol-30 (30 EO), Nonoxynol-40 (40 EO)

13. Alternatives (Eco-friendly)

Due to regulatory restrictions, the following alternatives are increasingly replacing NPEs:

14. Regulatory Summary

15. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for industrial formulators, paint and coating chemists, oilfield engineers, and procurement professionals. Important: Due to environmental persistence and endocrine-disrupting properties of nonylphenol metabolites, this product is subject to regulatory restrictions in many jurisdictions. Alternative surfactants (alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides) are preferred for environmentally sensitive applications. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.