Polyethylene Glycol C12-15 Alkyl Ether, C12-15 Pareth, Polyoxyethylene C12-15 Alkyl Ether, C12-15 Alcohol Ethoxylate, 68131-39-5

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL ETHER (C12-15, POLYOXYETHYLENE ALKYL ETHERS)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

• Chemical Name: Alcohols, C12-15, ethoxylated; Polyethylene Glycol C12-15 Alkyl Ether; Polyoxyethylene C12-15 Alkyl Ether

• Synonyms: C12-15 Pareth-n (where n = EO number), C12-15 Alcohol Ethoxylate, Ethoxylated C12-15 Alcohols, PEG C12-15 Alkyl Ether, Poly(oxyethylene) ether with C12-15 linear primary alcohols

• CAS Number: 68131-39-5

• EC Number (EINECS): 500-195-7

• General Molecular Formula: C12-15H25-31–(OCH₂CH₂)ₙ–OH (where n = 2–20+ EO units)

• Chemical Class: Non-ionic surfactant (ethoxylated fatty alcohol)

• UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport (typically)

2. Available Grades and EO Content

This product is a family of ethoxylated alcohols with varying ethylene oxide (EO) content. The number following "Pareth" indicates the average moles of EO:

3. Physical Properties

3.1 General Physical Properties (Pareth-12 Grade)

3.2 Solubility

4. Chemical Properties

4.1 Molecular Structure

Structure: R–(OCH₂CH₂)ₙ–OH
Where:

• R: Linear alkyl chain blend of C12, C13, C14, C15 (saturated, primary alcohols)

• n: Number of ethylene oxide units (2–20+)

Production: C12-15 fatty alcohols (derived from petroleum or natural feedstocks) are ethoxylated with ethylene oxide under pressure (2–5 bar) at 120–180°C using alkaline catalysts (KOH or NaOH) .

4.2 EO Content and HLB Relationship

4.3 Chemical Stability

4.4 Incompatibilities

• Strong oxidizing agents

• Strong acids (may cause hydrolysis at very low pH and high temperature)

5. Production Method

5.1 Ethoxylation Process

Reaction: C12-15H25-31–OH + n C₂H₄O → C12-15H25-31–(OCH₂CH₂)ₙ–OH

Process:

1. C12-15 fatty alcohols are 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%

Raw material source: Can be derived from petroleum (petro) or natural (coconut/palm kernel) feedstocks .

6. Mechanism of Action

6.1 Surface Activity

6.2 HLB and Performance

The HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) determines the primary application:

• Low HLB (6–9): Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifiers

• Medium HLB (10–13): Detergents, wetting agents, O/W emulsifiers

• High HLB (14–18): Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifiers, solubilizers

7. Industrial Applications

7.1 Cosmetics and Personal Care

INCI Name: C12-15 Pareth-n (where n = EO number)

7.2 Detergents and Cleaning Products

7.3 Textile Industry

7.4 Metalworking Fluids

7.5 Paints, Coatings, and Inks

7.6 Agricultural Formulations

7.7 Household and Industrial Cleaners

C12-15 alcohol ethoxylates are widely used as non-ionic surfactants in various cleaning applications due to their excellent wetting and detergency properties. They are considered one of the highest quality polyethylene glycol derivatives in this field, often used alongside SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and other active ingredients .

8. Comparison by EO Content

9. Toxicology and Safety

9.1 Acute Toxicity

9.2 GHS Classification (Typical)

9.3 Environmental Fate

10. Safety Precautions and PPE

• Hazards:

  • Causes serious eye irritation (H319)

  • Causes skin irritation (H315)

  • Low acute toxicity

  • Avoid environmental release

• PPE (recommended):

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile)

  • Safety glasses (EN 166) or chemical goggles

  • Protective clothing (for industrial handling)

• First aid:

  • Eye contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; seek 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 if large amount swallowed

11. Storage and Handling

11.1 Storage Conditions

11.2 Special Notes

• Solid/waxy grades (Pareth-12 and higher): Solid or semi-solid at room temperature; may require warming (40–60°C) before use 

• Hygroscopic: Keep containers tightly sealed

• Gel formation: May form gels at certain concentrations

12. Transport Information

13. Synonyms and Common Names

• English: C12-15 Alcohol Ethoxylate, Polyethylene Glycol C12-15 Alkyl Ether, C12-15 Pareth-n, Ethoxylated C12-15 Alcohols, Polyoxyethylene C12-15 Alkyl Ethers

• Trade names: Neodol 25, Dobanol 25, Tergitol 25L, Tomadol 25, Lutensol A, Genapol, Brij, Surfonic, Teric LA, Imbentin, Adekatol SO, Rhodasurf

• German: C12-15-Fettalkoholethoxylat

• French: Ethoxylate d'alcool C12-15

• Spanish: Etoxilato de alcohol C12-15

• Turkish: C12-15 Alkol Etoksilat, Polietilen Glikol Eter

14. Regulatory Status

15. Why Choose C12-15 Alcohol Ethoxylates?

Limitations:

• Solid/waxy grades – May require warming before use

• Eye irritant – Requires handling precautions

• Potential for gel formation – At certain concentrations

16. Selection Guide by Application

17. BASF / Equivalent Products Reference

18. Synonyms Reference (Complete List)

According to Haz-Map, this product has numerous synonyms :

• C12-15 Pareth-2, -3, -4, -5, -7, -9, -11, -12

• Neodol 25-3, 25-7, 25-9, 25-12

• Dobanol 25-7, 25-9, 25-11

• Tergitol 25L3, 25L5, 25L7, 25L9, 25L12

• Tomadol 25-3, 25-7, 25-9, 25-12

• Lutensol A 7, A 9

• Genapol OX 030

• Polyethylene glycol, C12-15 alkyl ethers

19. Regulatory Notes

19.1 US EPA Status

C12-15 alcohol ethoxylates are permitted for use as inert ingredients in non-food pesticide products .

19.2 EU REACH

Registered under CAS 68131-39-5 with EC number 500-195-7.

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for cosmetic formulators, detergent chemists, textile processors, metalworking fluid manufacturers, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.