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Send EmailEthoxylated Tallow Amine, Tallow Amine Polyoxy Ethylene Ether, Tallow Amine Polyoxyethylene Ether, POEA, 61791-26-2
POLYETHOXYLATED TALLOW AMINE (POEA)
1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification
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Chemical Name: Amines, tallow alkyl, ethoxylated; Polyethoxylated Tallow Amine; Tallow Amine Polyoxyethylene Ether
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Synonyms: POEA, Tallowamine Ethoxylate, Ethoxylated Tallow Amine, Polyoxyethylene tallow amine, PEG Tallow Amine, Ethomeen T series, Noramox S series, Genamin T series, Berol 392/387, Atmer 261, Amiet 502, MON 0818, MON 0139, Ethokem, Frigate, Hyspray, Meteor, Entry II
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CAS Number: 61791-26-2
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EC Number: 500-153-8
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Molecular Formula: Variable; (C₂H₄O)ₙ · R-NH₂ (R = tallow alkyl chain, C16–C18 predominantly)
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Chemical Class: Non-ionic surfactant (ethoxylated fatty amine)
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Source: Derived from animal tallow (beef and/or mutton fat)
2. Raw Material Source – Tallow Fatty Acid Composition
Tallow is a hard fat extracted from animal deposits, primarily consisting of glycerides of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids (C16–C18 carbon chains).
| Fatty Acid | Carbon Chain | Typical Content (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Oleic acid | C18:1 | 37–43% |
| Palmitic acid | C16 | 24–32% |
| Stearic acid | C18 | 20–25% |
| Linoleic acid | C18:2 | 2–3% |
The fatty acids are converted to tallow amines via nitrile processes, then ethoxylated with ethylene oxide to produce water-soluble non-ionic surfactants.
3. Physical Properties
3.1 General Physical Properties (Typical for 15–25 EO variants)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Physical state (20°C) | Liquid (pourable) |
| Odor | Mild fatty amine odor |
| Density (20°C) | ~1.01–1.03 g/cm³ (depending on EO content) |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 252–259 cP (for 15 EO grade) |
| Pour point | -5°C to 10°C (varies with EO content) |
| Flash point | ≥ 100°C (closed cup) – combustible |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 8.5–10.5 (weakly alkaline) |
| HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) | ~14.2 (for 15 EO grade) – water-dispersible |
| Solubility in water | Partially soluble to fully soluble (depends on EO content) |
| Compatibility | Good with nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric surfactants |
3.2 Influence of Ethoxylation Degree
| Parameter | Lower EO (2–5 EO) | Medium EO (10–15 EO) | Higher EO (25–50 EO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water solubility | Low / Dispersible | Partially soluble | Fully soluble |
| HLB value | 5–10 | 10–15 | 15–18 |
| Physical form (20°C) | Liquid | Liquid / Paste | Liquid |
| Primary applications | Emulsifiers | Wetting agents, adjuvants | Solubilizers, detergents |
4. Quality Specifications
4.1 Typical Specifications (15 EO Grade – Lansurf TA15)
| Parameter | Specification | Unit | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear brown liquid, free from foreign matter | - | Visual |
| pH (1% aqueous) | 8.5–10.5 | - | |
| Base value (amine value) | 58.0–65.0 | mg KOH/g | |
| Color | ≤ 10 | Gardner | |
| Active content | 100 | % | |
| Solid content | 100 | % | |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 252–259 | cP | |
| Specific gravity (20°C) | 1.03 | - | |
| Pour point | -5 | °C | |
| Flash point | ≥ 100 | °C | Open cup |
| Moles of ethylene oxide | 15.0 | - |
4.2 Typical Specifications (2 EO Grade)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity | 95–100% |
| Appearance | Oily liquid |
| Base value (amine value) | Higher than higher EO grades |
| EO content | 2 moles average |
5. Production Method
5.1 Synthesis Route
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tallow (animal fat) is hydrolyzed to produce free fatty acids |
| 2 | Fatty acids are converted to nitriles via reaction with ammonia |
| 3 | Nitriles are hydrogenated to produce primary tallow amines |
| 4 | Tallow amines are ethoxylated with ethylene oxide (EO) under pressure and temperature (100–180°C) with alkaline catalyst (KOH) |
| 5 | The degree of ethoxylation determines final product properties (2–50+ EO units) |
5.2 General Reaction
R–NH₂ + n C₂H₄O → R–NH–(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH (for primary amine) where R = tallow alkyl chain (C16–C18 predominantly)
6. Mechanism of Action (Surfactant)
6.1 Surface Activity
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| Hydrophobic tail | Long-chain tallow alkyl group (C16–C18) provides oil solubility and surface activity |
| Hydrophilic head | Polyoxyethylene chain (EO units) provides water solubility and steric stabilization |
| Reduces surface tension | Enables water-based formulations to spread and penetrate hydrophobic surfaces (e.g., plant cuticles, oil films) |
| Emulsification | Stabilizes oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions |
| Wetting action | Enhances uptake of water-soluble compounds across plant cuticles (adjuvant function) |
6.2 Herbicide Adjuvant Function (Glyphosate Formulations)
POEA is widely used as a surfactant adjuvant in glyphosate-based herbicides (e.g., Roundup) to:
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Enhance droplet retention on plant foliage
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Improve wetting and spreading on leaf surfaces
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Facilitate penetration of glyphosate through the waxy plant cuticle
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Reduce the amount of glyphosate washed off by rain
7. Industrial Applications
7.1 Agriculture (Primary Application – Herbicide Adjuvant)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Application | Non-ionic surfactant adjuvant in glyphosate and other herbicide formulations |
| Typical concentration | <1% (ready-to-use) to 15–21% (concentrates) |
| Function | Wetting agent, penetrant, deposition aid |
| Regulatory status | EPA Inert Ingredient List |
Key formulations: Roundup (MON 0818 adjuvant), other glyphosate-based herbicides
7.2 Metalworking Fluids
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Application | Primary wetting agent in acid and alkaline formulations for metal cleaning and stripping of surface coatings |
| Function | Emulsifier, corrosion inhibitor, wetting agent |
| Compatibility | Good with other nonionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric surfactants |
7.3 Textile Industry
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Application | Leveling agent, anti-precipitant, wetting agent, antistatic agent |
| Function | Promotes even dyeing; prevents precipitation; reduces static charge |
| Fiber types | Synthetic and natural fibers |
7.4 Paints and Coatings
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Application | Emulsifier, dispersant for pigments |
| Function | Stabilizes emulsions; improves pigment dispersion |
7.5 Detergents and Cleaners
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Application | Non-ionic surfactant in industrial and institutional cleaning formulations |
| Function | Emulsification, wetting, detergency |
7.6 Lubricants and Polishes
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Application | Emulsifier in metalworking lubricants, polishes, and waxes |
| Function | Stabilizes emulsions; improves spreadability |
7.7 Personal Care and Cosmetics (Limited)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Application | Emulsifier, solubilizer (use limited due to source and regulatory concerns) |
| Typical products | Some creams, lotions, shampoos |
8. Comparison by Ethoxylation Degree
| Property | POEA (2 EO) | POEA (15 EO) | POEA (25 EO) | POEA (50 EO) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water solubility | Low / Dispersible | Partially soluble | Soluble | Highly soluble |
| HLB value | ~8–10 | ~14–15 | ~16–17 | ~17–18 |
| Typical applications | Emulsifiers (W/O) | Agricultural adjuvants, metal cleaning | Textile auxiliaries | Detergents, solubilizers |
| Viscosity | Lower | Moderate | Higher | Very high |
9. Toxicology and Safety
9.1 Acute Toxicity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Oral LD₅₀ (rat) | Variable; higher than glyphosate alone |
| Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) | Not determined |
| Eye irritation | May cause irritation |
| Skin irritation | May cause mild irritation |
| Skin sensitization | Possible sensitizer |
9.2 Special Hazard – Aquatic Toxicity (Critical Concern)
POEA is significantly more toxic to aquatic organisms than glyphosate alone .
| Organism | Relative Toxicity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fish (rainbow trout) | POEA LC₅₀ = 4.2× more toxic than glyphosate at pH 7.5; 369× more toxic at pH 9.5 | Toxicity increases with pH |
| Amphibians (larvae) | 4.2× more toxic than glyphosate | pH-dependent |
| Aquatic invertebrates | Highly toxic |
Mechanism: POEA disrupts cell membranes (necrosis) when micellization occurs .
9.3 Environmental Fate
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Half-life in soil | < 7 days |
| Half-life in water | ~2 weeks |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
| Persistence | Low to moderate; dissipates over time with little migration into deeper soil |
9.4 GHS Classification (Typical)
| Classification | Category |
|---|---|
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302 – Harmful if swallowed |
| H315 – Causes skin irritation | |
| H319 – Causes serious eye irritation | |
| H400 – Very toxic to aquatic life (varies by grade) | |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338 |
9.5 Occupational Exposure
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| NIOSH REL | Not established |
| OSHA PEL | Not established |
| ACGIH TLV | Not established |
| Supplier recommended | Follow industrial hygiene practices |
10. Storage and Handling
10.1 Handling Precautions
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Use adequate ventilation |
| Personal hygiene | Wash thoroughly after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area |
| Spill response | Absorb with inert material; collect in sealed containers; prevent entry into waterways (aquatic toxicity) |
10.2 Storage Conditions
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Store at 5–40°C (avoid freezing) |
| Container | HDPE, stainless steel, or glass-lined equipment (prevents corrosion and contamination) |
| Incompatibles | Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids |
| Environment | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; protect from direct sunlight |
| Special notes | Material can separate on standing and at low temperatures; may require agitation and warming prior to use |
10.3 Container Materials
| Container Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | Suitable |
| Stainless steel (304, 316) | Suitable |
| Glass-lined equipment | Suitable |
| Carbon steel | Not recommended (corrosion risk) |
| Aluminum | Not recommended |
11. Transport Information
| Regulation | Classification |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not specifically assigned (typically non-regulated for many grades) |
| ADR/RID | May not be classified as dangerous goods (check local regulations) |
| IMDG | Not regulated (for most grades) |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| Hazard label | Not required (for most grades) |
| Marine pollutant | May be considered (due to aquatic toxicity) |
12. Environmental Fate and Ecotoxicity (Detailed)
12.1 Ecotoxicity Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fish (rainbow trout, 96h LC₅₀) | 4.2× more toxic than glyphosate (pH 7.5); 369× more toxic than glyphosate (pH 9.5) |
| Amphibians | High toxicity |
| Aquatic invertebrates (Daphnia) | Highly toxic |
| Algae | Moderate to high toxicity |
12.2 Environmental Persistence
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Half-life in soil | < 7 days |
| Half-life in water | ~2 weeks |
| Soil migration | Low; little migration into deeper soil |
| Biodegradation | Readily biodegradable |
13. Regulatory Status
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| USA (EPA) | Listed as inert ingredient in pesticide formulations (EPA Inert Ingredient List) |
| EU | Subject to regulation; certain formulations restricted; propoxylated quaternary ammonium surfactants (newer generation) are less toxic |
| Canada | Listed |
| REACH | Registered |
| TSCA | Listed |
14. Synonyms and Common Names
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English: Polyethoxylated tallow amine, POEA, Tallowamine ethoxylate, Ethoxylated tallow amine, Polyoxyethylene tallow amine, PEG tallow amine, Amines, tallow alkyl, ethoxylated, Tallow amine polyoxyethylene ether, POE tallow amine, Polyethylene glycol tallow amine
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Trade names: Ethomeen T series, Noramox S series, Genamin T series, Berol 387/392, Atmer 261, Amiet 502, Lansurf TA15 , Chemeen T series, Trymeen TAM series, Katapol series, MON 0818, MON 0139, Ethokem, Frigate, Hyspray, Meteor, Entry II, G 3780A
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German: Talgaminethoxylat
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French: Amine de suif éthoxylée
15. Why Choose Tallow Amine Ethoxylate?
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent wetting agent | Superior ability to reduce surface tension – ideal for agricultural adjuvants |
| Versatile HLB range | Available from 2–50+ EO units; suitable for a wide range of applications |
| Good compatibility | Compatible with nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants |
| Effective emulsifier | Stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions |
| Biodegradable | Readily biodegradable; low environmental persistence |
| Cost-effective | Lower cost than many specialty non-ionic surfactants |
| Widely available | Produced globally by multiple manufacturers |
| Proven in agriculture | Decades of use as herbicide adjuvant (glyphosate formulations) |
Critical Limitations:
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Aquatic toxicity – Highly toxic to fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates; avoid environmental release
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pH-dependent toxicity – Toxicity increases significantly at higher pH (>8)
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Animal-derived source – Not suitable for vegan/vegetarian or halal-certified (depending on source) products
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Skin irritation potential – May cause irritation; use appropriate PPE
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Environmental concern – Subject to regulatory review in some jurisdictions
16. Applications Summary Table
| Sector | Application | Typical Concentration | EO Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Herbicide adjuvant (glyphosate, glufosinate) | <1–21% | 10–20 EO |
| Metalworking | Metal cleaning, stripping coatings | 1–10% | 10–20 EO |
| Textile | Leveling agent, anti-precipitant | 0.5–5 g/L | 15–25 EO |
| Paints & Coatings | Emulsifier, pigment dispersant | 0.5–5% | 10–20 EO |
| Detergents | Non-ionic surfactant | 1–10% | 15–50 EO |
| Lubricants/Polishes | Emulsifier | 0.5–5% | 2–10 EO |
| Industrial Cleaning | Wetting agent, emulsifier | 0.5–5% | 5–15 EO |
17. Storage Stability and Shelf Life
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Shelf life (unopened) | 24 months (proper storage) |
| Shelf life (opened) | 12 months (if protected from contamination) |
| Storage temperature | 5–40°C |
| Separation | May separate on standing and at low temperatures; requires agitation and warming prior to use |
18. Additional Information – Research References
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Dissipation of POEA in agricultural field soil: POEA, glyphosate, and AMPA persist from season to season but dissipate over time with little migration into deeper soil
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Aquatic toxicity of POEA: Significantly more toxic to aquatic organisms than glyphosate alone
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Mechanism: POEA induces necrosis when its first micellization process occurs
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Regulatory evolution: First-generation POEAs progressively replaced by other POEA surfactants, ethoxylated etheramines (lower toxicity), and propoxylated quaternary ammonium surfactants (~100× less toxic)
19. Variants – EO Content Designations
| EO Moles | Common Name | Typical HLB | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | POEA (2 EO) / Ethomeen T/12 | ~8 | Emulsifier (W/O) |
| 5 | POEA (5 EO) / Ethomeen T/15 | ~11 | Emulsifier, wetting agent |
| 10 | POEA (10 EO) / Ethomeen T/20 | ~13 | Wetting agent, detergent |
| 15 | POEA (15 EO) / Lansurf TA15 / Ethomeen T/25 | ~14.2 | Agricultural adjuvant |
| 20 | POEA (20 EO) / Ethomeen T/30 | ~15 | Textile auxiliaries |
| 25 | POEA (25 EO) / Genamin T 250 | ~16 | Solubilizer, detergent |
| 30 | POEA (30 EO) / Ethomeen T/40 | ~17 | High HLB applications |
| 50 | POEA (50 EO) / Ethomeen T/60 | ~18 | Solubilizer, emulsifier |
20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter | POEA (15 EO) | POEA (25 EO) | POEA (general) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 61791-26-2 | 61791-26-2 | 61791-26-2 |
| Appearance | Clear brown liquid | Pale to amber liquid | Oily liquid to paste |
| Density (20°C) | ~1.03 g/cm³ | ~1.01–1.03 | ~1.01–1.03 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | ≥ 100°C | ≥ 100°C | ≥ 100°C |
| pH (1% solution) | 8.5–10.5 | 8.5–10.5 | 8.5–10.5 |
| HLB | ~14.2 | ~16 | 5–18 (varies) |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 252–259 cP | Higher | Variable |
| Pour Point | -5°C | ~5–10°C | -5 to 10°C |
| Water solubility | Partially soluble | Soluble | Low to high |
| Primary Use | Agricultural adjuvant, metal cleaning | Textiles, detergents | Surfactant, emulsifier, adjuvant |
| Aquatic toxicity | High | Moderate | High (pH-dependent) |
This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for agricultural formulators, metalworking fluid manufacturers, textile chemists, industrial cleaning formulators, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.
