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Send EmailC16-18 Alcohol Ethoxylate, Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether, Ceteareth, Ceteareth-2-12-20-25-30-50-80, 68439-49-6
C16-18 ALCOHOL ETHOXYLATE (CETEARETH)
CAS 68439-49-6 | EC 500-212-8
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTITY AND DEFINITION
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | C16-18 Alcohol Ethoxylate |
| Other Names | Ceteareth, Ceteareth-2-12-20-25-30-50-80, Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether, C16-18 Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate, Emuldac AS-2, MARLIPAL 1618/1, Volpo CS2 |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₆-C₁₈ Fatty Alcohol + EO (variable EO units) |
| CAS Number | 68439-49-6 |
| EC Number | 500-212-8 |
| Chemical Class | Nonionic Surfactant / Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate |
| Appearance | Colorless to Slightly Yellow Liquid, Paste, Flakes, or Powder |
| Source | Synthetic (Ethoxylation of C16-18 Fatty Alcohols) |
Description: C16-18 Alcohol Ethoxylate is a nonionic surfactant derived from the ethoxylation of C16-18 fatty alcohols (cetyl and stearyl alcohols). It is a versatile surfactant with excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and stabilizing properties. It is available in various ethoxylation degrees (Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80), providing a range of HLB values for different applications. It is widely used in cosmetics, detergents, paints and coatings, industrial cleaning, and textile processing. The product is typically supplied as a colorless to slightly yellow liquid, paste, flakes, or powder depending on the degree of ethoxylation.
SECTION 2: SYNONYMS AND OTHER NAMES
| No | Synonym / Other Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | C16-18 Alcohol Ethoxylate |
| 2 | Ceteareth |
| 3 | Ceteareth-2-12-20-25-30-50-80 |
| 4 | Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether |
| 5 | C16-18 Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate |
| 6 | Emuldac AS-2 |
| 7 | MARLIPAL 1618/1 |
| 8 | Volpo CS2 |
| 9 | Nonionic Fatty Alcohol Surfactants |
| 10 | Yağ Alkolü Polioksietilen Eter |
| 11 | Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol Ethoxylate |
| 12 | 68439-49-6 |
| 13 | EC 500-212-8 |
SECTION 3: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Family | Nonionic Surfactant / Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate |
| Structure | C16-18 fatty alcohol chain with ethoxylate groups (polyethylene oxide) |
| Functional Groups | Ether (-O-), Hydroxyl (-OH) |
| Fatty Alcohol | Cetyl Alcohol (C16) and Stearyl Alcohol (C18) |
| Ethoxylation Degree | Variable (2, 12, 20, 25, 30, 50, 80 EO units) |
Structural Formula:
C₁₆H₃₃ - O - (CH₂CH₂O)ₙ - H (Cetyl Alcohol Ethoxylate)
C₁₈H₃₇ - O - (CH₂CH₂O)ₙ - H (Stearyl Alcohol Ethoxylate)
Where n = 2, 12, 20, 25, 30, 50, 80 (EO units)
Key Characteristics:
-
Nonionic surfactant with excellent emulsifying properties
-
Available in various ethoxylation degrees for different HLB values
-
Good wetting and dispersing properties
-
Stable over a wide pH range
-
Compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants
-
High electrolyte tolerance
-
Biodegradable
SECTION 4: CETEARETH GRADES AND PROPERTIES
| Grade | EO Units | HLB Value | Physical Form | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceteareth-2 | 2 EO | ~3 – 4 | Paste | Low HLB, oil-in-water emulsifier |
| Ceteareth-12 | 12 EO | ~10 – 11 | Paste/Flakes | Medium HLB, emulsifier |
| Ceteareth-20 | 20 EO | ~15 – 16 | Paste/Flakes | O/W emulsifier, excellent stability |
| Ceteareth-25 | 25 EO | ~16 – 17 | Flakes/Powder | High HLB, solubilizer |
| Ceteareth-30 | 30 EO | ~17 – 18 | Powder | High HLB, excellent emulsifier |
| Ceteareth-50 | 50 EO | ~18 – 19 | Powder | Very high HLB, solubilizer |
| Ceteareth-80 | 80 EO | ~19 – 20 | Powder | Very high HLB, solubilizer |
SECTION 5: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Specification | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical State (25°C) | Liquid/Paste/Flakes/Powder | - | Visual |
| Appearance | Colorless to Slightly Yellow | - | Visual |
| Odor | Slight characteristic | - | Organoleptic |
| CAS Number | 68439-49-6 | - | - |
| Density (21°C) | ~0.87 g/cm³ (liquid grades) | - | ASTM D4052 |
| Melting Point | Varies by grade | - | DSC |
| HLB Value | 3 – 20 (grade dependent) | - | - |
| pH (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 | - | USP <791> |
| Water Solubility | Varies by grade | - | - |
| Cloud Point | Varies by grade | - | - |
| Flash Point | > 150 °C | - | ASTM D93 |
| Viscosity | Varies by grade | - | Brookfield |
SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Emulsification | Excellent emulsifier for oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions |
| Wetting | Reduces surface tension; improves wetting properties |
| Dispersion | Disperses solids and immiscible liquids |
| Stabilization | Stabilizes emulsions, dispersions, and suspensions |
| Detergency | Acts as a detergent and cleaning agent |
| Solubilization | Solubilizes oils and active ingredients |
| Foaming | Low foaming properties |
| Compatibility | Compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants |
| Electrolyte Tolerance | Tolerates electrolytes, acids, and alkalis |
SECTION 7: COSMETIC AND PERSONAL CARE APPLICATIONS
| Application | Function / Benefit | Typical Use Level |
|---|---|---|
| Creams and Lotions | Emulsifier, stabilizer, texture enhancer | 2 – 5% |
| O/W Emulsions | Primary emulsifier | 2 – 4% |
| Hair Conditioners | Emulsifier, conditioning agent | 1 – 3% |
| Shampoos | Emulsifier, thickener | 1 – 3% |
| Sunscreens | Emulsifier, dispersant | 1 – 4% |
| Makeup Products | Emulsifier, stabilizer | 1 – 4% |
| Baby Care Products | Emulsifier, mild surfactant | 1 – 3% |
| Shaving Creams | Emulsifier, lubricant | 1 – 3% |
SECTION 8: DETERGENT AND CLEANING APPLICATIONS
| Application | Function / Benefit | Typical Use Level |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Detergents | Surfactant, emulsifier | 5 – 15% |
| Hard Surface Cleaners | Wetting agent, detergent | 1 – 5% |
| Industrial Cleaners | Emulsifier, wetting agent | 1 – 5% |
| Dishwashing Liquids | Surfactant, emulsifier | 2 – 8% |
| Laundry Detergents | Surfactant, emulsifier | 2 – 10% |
SECTION 9: PAINTS, COATINGS, AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
| Application | Function / Benefit | Typical Use Level |
|---|---|---|
| Paints and Coatings | Emulsifier, stabilizer, dispersant | 1 – 5% |
| Emulsion Polymerization | Emulsifier, stabilizer | 1 – 5% |
| Textile Processing | Wetting agent, emulsifier, lubricant | 0.5 – 3% |
| Agricultural Chemicals | Emulsifier, dispersant | 1 – 5% |
| Metalworking Fluids | Emulsifier, lubricant | 1 – 5% |
| Paper Industry | Coating, wetting agent | 0.5 – 2% |
SECTION 10: BASF PRODUCT SERIES
| Product | Description | EO Units | HLB | Physical Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emulan® AF | Fatty alcohol + 6 EO | 6 | ~11 | Paste |
| Emulan® AT 9 | Fatty alcohol + 9 EO | 9 | ~13 | Solid |
| Emulan® OC | Fatty alcohol + 20 EO | 20 | ~17 | Paste |
| Emulan® OG | Fatty alcohol + 30 EO | 30 | ~17 | Powder |
| Disponil® LS 500 | C12-14 fatty alcohol + 50 EO | 50 | ~18.5 | Solid |
| Disponil® A 1080 | Fatty alcohol ethoxylate, modified + 10 EO | 10 | ~14 | Liquid |
| Disponil® A 3065 | Fatty alcohol + 30 EO | 30 | ~16.5 | Liquid |
| Disponil® A 4065 | Fatty alcohol + 40 EO | 40 | ~16.5 | Liquid |
| Disponil® NRG 301 | Branched alcohol + 30 EO | 30 | ~17.6 | Liquid |
| Disponil® NRG 401 | Branched alcohol + 40 EO | 40 | ~18.1 | Liquid |
| Disponil® AFX 4030 EVO | Fatty alcohol ethoxylate, modified + 40 EO | 40 | ~18.0 | Liquid |
SECTION 11: ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent Emulsifying Properties | Strong emulsifying ability for various polar oils |
| High Efficiency | Low dosage, high emulsification efficiency |
| Fine Emulsion Appearance | Produces fine, bright, and delicate emulsions |
| Good Viscosity Build | Builds and maintains viscosity stability |
| Electrolyte Tolerance | Tolerates electrolytes, acids, and alkalis |
| Wide Formulation Flexibility | Versatile use in various formulations |
| High Stability | Excellent long-term emulsion stability |
| Versatile HLB Range | Available in various ethoxylation degrees |
| Biodegradable | Environmentally friendly |
| Good Compatibility | Compatible with other surfactants and additives |
SECTION 12: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Permitted | Cosmetic and industrial ingredient |
| Turkey | Permitted | Compliant with EU legislation |
| USA (FDA) | Permitted | Approved for cosmetic and food contact applications |
| Japan | Permitted | Approved for cosmetic and industrial use |
| Canada | Permitted | Health Canada approved |
| REACH | Registered | EU chemical regulation compliance |
| INCI | Listed | Ceteareth (with ethoxylation number) |
SECTION 13: SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity | Low toxicity |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating to mildly irritating |
| Eye Irritation | Mildly irritating |
| Skin Sensitization | Low potential |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
| Aquatic Toxicity | Low to moderate |
Safety Recommendations:
-
S24/25: Avoid contact with skin and eyes
-
S26: In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water
-
S36: Wear suitable protective clothing
SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 15 – 30°C (cool, dry place) |
| Storage Conditions | Well-ventilated, dry area |
| Container Requirements | Sealed containers |
| Protect From | Heat, moisture, contamination |
| Shelf Life | 24 – 36 months (under proper storage) |
| Degradation Signs | Color change, viscosity change, odor change |
Packaging Options:
-
25 kg bags (flakes/powder)
-
50 kg, 200 kg HDPE drums (liquid/paste)
-
1000 kg IBC containers
SECTION 15: QUALITY CERTIFICATES AND STANDARDS
| Certificate / Standard | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 | Certified | Quality management system |
| ISO 14001:2015 | Certified | Environmental management system |
| REACH | Registered | EU chemical regulation compliance |
| INCI | Listed | Ceteareth |
| Certificate of Analysis (COA) | Provided with each batch | Includes binding specifications |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Available | Current 16-section document |
| Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | Available | Comprehensive technical information |
| GMP | Compliant | Manufacturing quality standards |
SECTION 16: DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICE
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Information Purpose | This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding specification. |
| Typical Values | Values stated herein are based on typical laboratory results and may vary slightly between batches. |
| Binding Data | For binding specifications, the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch should be requested. |
| User Responsibility | The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for the intended application and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. |
| SDS Requirement | A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be requested from the supplier prior to use. |
| Safety Information | Safety information in this document is based on current knowledge but does not constitute a guarantee of the product's health and safety risks. |
| Regulatory Changes | The user is responsible for monitoring local and international regulatory changes. |
| Product Quality | Product quality is guaranteed in accordance with the standards specified in this document. |
| License / Patents | This document does not grant any license or patent rights for use of the product. |
| Side Effects | Allergic reactions are rare but possible in sensitive individuals; users should conduct suitability tests. |
DISCLAIMER (LEGAL NOTICE): This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding specification. The values stated herein are based on typical laboratory results. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for the intended application and for ensuring compliance with all local regulations. A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be requested prior to use. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in sensitive individuals; suitability tests should be conducted. This document does not grant any license or patent rights for use of the product.
