Alcohol Ethoxylates (AEO) Explained: Structure, Key Parameters, Application Scenarios, and Aladdin’s Selection Tables (Main + Appendix)
Alcohol Ethoxylates (AEO) Explained: Structure, Key Parameters, Application Scenarios, and Aladdin’s Selection Tables (Main + Appendix)
Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers (AEOs; Alcohol Ethoxylates) are a classic and widely used class of nonionic surfactants. They play important roles in industrial applications—including household and personal-care cleaning, emulsification and dispersion, wetting, and solubilization—and are equally valuable in research workflows, where they support key functions such as mild solubilization, detergency, lysis, and formulation/stability control. Once you understand an AEO’s structure and what its key parameters actually mean, product selection and use become a logical, evidence-based process, rather than trial-and-error.
What Is AEO? Understanding the Chemistry Through Structure
An AEO molecule can be viewed as a combination of a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head:
- Hydrophobic tail (lipophilic segment): derived from fatty alcohols such as lauryl alcohol (C12), cetyl alcohol (C16), stearyl alcohol (C18), oleyl alcohol (C18:1), or branched alcohols such as isooctyl/isodecyl alcohols.
- Hydrophilic head (aqueous segment): a poly(ethylene oxide) chain (EO, —(CH₂CH₂O)_n—).
In other words, AEOs are alcohol-ether type nonionic surfactants produced by ethoxylating a fatty alcohol (i.e., attaching an EO chain).
What Does “Nonionic” Mean?
In nonionic surfactants, hydrophilicity mainly comes from hydrogen bonding of the EO chain, rather than ionic (charged) groups. As a result, AEOs typically feature:
1. Relatively good tolerance to water quality and electrolytes
(Compared with anionic surfactants, AEOs are generally more tolerant of hard water; however, temperature and electrolytes (salts/buffers) can still significantly affect solubility, cloud point, and micellar/phase behavior.)
2. Broad compatibility with other ingredients
They may be blended with anionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactants, but compatibility must be verified experimentally.
3. A wide, tunable performance window
Detergency, emulsification, solubilization, and wetting can be adjusted over a broad range by selecting the hydrophobe and the average EO number, and then calibrated using cloud point, HLB, and practical bench tests.
The Key “Tuning Knobs” of AEO: Which Parameters Matter?
Differences in AEO performance ultimately come down to two factors: the type of hydrophobe and the EO number (or average molecular weight). Once these are clear, you are already halfway to the right choice.
In practice: Start with the hydrophobe (C12/C16/C18/C18:1/branched) to determine oil-phase affinity and application direction; then use EO number/HLB to set the hydrophilicity level and emulsification/solubilization tendency; use the cloud point to define a practical temperature window; and use Mn/hydroxyl value as indirect indicators for structure and batch consistency.
Key Parameters for Selection
Parameter / Indicator | What it is | How to use it in selection | Common misunderstandings / reminders |
Hydrophobe (chain length / structure) | The “oil-like” portion of an AEO, derived from fatty alcohols: linear mid-chain (e.g., C12), linear long-chain (C16/C18), unsaturated long-chain (C18:1 oleyl), branched alcohols (e.g., isooctyl/isodecyl) | Linear C12: balanced detergency/wetting, strong general-purpose utility; linear C16/C18: more focused on emulsion structure building and stability, better oil-phase affinity; C18:1 oleyl: often more compatible with oily substrates and solubilization; branched alcohols: in many cases more inclined to low foam, fast wetting, and suitability for industrial cleaning (verify by small-scale tests) | Focusing only on EO/HLB while ignoring chain type can cause selection bias; at the same EO level, different chain lengths can behave very differently; “branched = always low foam” is not guaranteed—system and process conditions matter |
EO number (n) | Number of repeating units in the poly(ethylene oxide) segment; determines hydrophilicity | Lower n → more lipophilic; higher n → more hydrophilic / easier solubilization. Emulsification, solubilization, wetting, and detergency are strongly correlated with n | “Same name ≠ same n.” Products labeled as “polyoxyethylene ___ ether” may have different EO distributions; EO number is usually an average (n̄) and there is an actual distribution |
HLB | Hydrophile–lipophile balance (higher = more hydrophilic) | For O/W emulsification or solubilization, typically favor higher HLB; for W/O or more lipophilic co-emulsification, favor lower HLB | HLB is not universal: oil type, temperature, salts, and blending all change system behavior; different calculation methods (e.g., Griffin vs. Davies) mean HLB values from different sources may not be directly comparable—bench tests with real emulsion type and cloud-point window are recommended |
Cloud point | The temperature at which a nonionic surfactant aqueous solution turns cloudy upon heating (phase behavior change). Cloud point must be reported with measurement conditions (commonly 1% w/w in water); values are not directly comparable across different concentrations, salinities, or solvent systems. | Important for high-temperature or temperature-fluctuating conditions: near the cloud point, turbidity, layering, and changes in emulsification may occur; cloud point can be used as a guideline for the “temperature window” | Turbidity does not necessarily mean decomposition; it is often a change in phase structure. However, it can affect appearance and analytical readings |
Average molecular weight Mn (or Mw) | Average molecular weight, often jointly determined by EO number and hydrophobe; influences hydrophilicity and viscosity | If EO number is not provided, Mn can serve as an indirect reference for hydrophilic segment / overall size; within the same hydrophobe family, higher Mn often correlates with higher hydrophilicity and stronger solubilization | Mn is influenced by hydrophobe length + EO number + distribution; do not conclude based on a single number |
Hydroxyl value | Hydroxyl content per unit mass (common for certain AEO-type alcohol ethers) | In some industrial AEOs, can help infer “degree of ethoxylation / average chain length” and is often used for batch consistency | Comparability may be limited across different systems/standards; best used for horizontal comparison within the same product series |
What Can AEO Do? A Map of Typical Functions and Applications
Application scenario (your goal) | Primary objective | Recommended AEO structure direction (hydrophobe + EO level) | Parameters/info to prioritize | Notes (see Appendix when…) |
O/W emulsification (oil-in-water) | Stable emulsion, fine texture, anti-separation | Linear long-chain alcohols (C16/C18) + medium/high EO; or C12 + medium EO as a base emulsifier | HLB (medium–high), EO number, viscosity changes, temperature stability | If low foam or a wider thermal window is required, consider Appendix EO/PO |
Solubilization (bring hydrophobes into the aqueous phase) | Improve solubility; form clear/semi-clear systems | High EO (more hydrophilic); choose hydrophobe by target solubilizate type (C12 or C18:1 are common) | EO number/Mn, ability to form a clear solution, effects of salts/buffers | For high salt or large temperature swings, watch cloud point; consider EO/PO or reference systems if needed |
Detergency/cleaning (lab/industrial) | Wetting, emulsify oily soils, remove contaminants | Linear C12 + medium EO for general purpose; branched-alcohol AEOs may suit industrial low-foam cleaning | Foaming behavior, wetting speed, detergency, cloud point/temperature | For low foam or spray/circulation cleaning, prioritize Appendix EO/PO and low-foam systems |
Wetting/spreading (coatings, material surfaces) | Fast wetting, reduce surface tension | Linear or branched; often medium EO to balance wetting and solubility | Surface tension/wetting time, compatibility, foam | For extremely low surface tension, consider Appendix “fluorosurfactants” (specialty use) |
Research/biological: mild solubilization/lysis | Mildness, low denaturation, reproducibility | Commonly medium/high EO nonionic AEOs; prioritize products with explicit grades (research/proteomics/usage notes) | Grade/purity, batch consistency, effects of buffer salts/temperature | For “reference systems,” NP-type materials can be used as comparators in Appendix, but avoid mixing the categories with AEO |
Note: For research users, “method compatibility, high purity/proteomics grade, and control of metal ions/impurities” often matter more than “industrial cleaning performance.”
How to Use: Preparation, Dissolution, and Practical Tips
1. Preparation and Dissolution
- Start with the physical form: Some AEOs are solids/waxes, while others are liquids or supplied as pre-made solutions. Solid or waxy products often require mild heating, or pre-dissolution with a small amount of solvent or warm water to facilitate dissolution.
- Go from low to high: Prepare a low-concentration stock solution first to confirm clarity and stability, then gradually increase to the target concentration. This helps reduce the risk of phase separation caused by localized high concentrations.
- Watch the temperature: Near the cloud point, the system may become turbid due to a phase-behavior transition. This does not necessarily indicate decomposition, but it can affect analytical readouts and formulation appearance.
2. Blending and Compatibility
AEOs are often blended with anionic, amphoteric, or other nonionic surfactants to optimize detergency, foam profile, and stability. Key considerations include:
- High electrolyte levels, strong acids/bases, and certain organic solvents may alter micellar structures and phase behavior.
- When blending, small-scale screening is recommended. Evaluate clarity, phase separation, viscosity, foam behavior, and stability over time.
3. Risk Matrix (Risk point – Symptoms – Possible causes – Recommended actions)
Risk point | Typical symptoms | Possible causes | Recommended actions |
Cloud-point-related phase transition | Turns cloudy upon heating; clears on cooling, or layering occurs | Temperature near/above the cloud point; changes in phase behavior | Control temperature to avoid the cloud-point window; switch to a more suitable EO level or consider EO/PO systems; adjust concentration |
Salting-out / buffer-induced instability | Cloudiness, precipitation, altered emulsification performance in salt/buffer | Electrolytes change water structure and micelles; reduced solubility | Run trials at the target ionic strength first; reduce salt and/or adjust EO level; if needed, switch systems or optimize via blending |
Localized high concentration leading to phase separation | Flocs or oil droplets appear during addition; difficult to re-dissolve | Incorrect addition sequence, insufficient mixing, low temperature | Add slowly under stirring; pre-dissolve before dilution; apply mild heating if needed |
Excess foam affecting processing | Foam build-up in recirculation/spray systems | Surfactant structure is prone to foaming; strong shear during operation | Use branched-alcohol AEOs or refer to the Appendix for EO/PO and low-foam systems; consider defoaming strategies (verify compatibility) |
Analytical interference / batch variation affecting reproducibility | Higher background, signal fluctuation, poor repeatability | Impurities/insufficient grade; incomplete control of experimental conditions | Use higher-grade materials; run blank controls; fix pH/salt/temperature/time; record lot numbers and conditions |
Incompatibility with other components | Turbidity, precipitation, abnormal viscosity | Phase separation or mixed/complex micelle formation after blending | Conduct compatibility trials; adjust ratios/addition order; change EO level or hydrophobe type |
Notes: Safety, Storage, and Key Risks in Experiments/Formulations
1. Safety and handling
AEOs are common surfactants, but they may still cause skin and eye irritation. In laboratory settings, wear gloves and safety goggles, and avoid inhalation of aerosols/mist.
2. Grade and impurity control
Research/biological applications are more sensitive to impurities (salts, metals, peroxides, residual reactants, etc.). For protein-related work, chromatography, or high-precision assays, prioritize products with clearly defined grades and QC specifications.
3. Effects of temperature and salts
Approaching the cloud point at elevated temperature, or salting-out at higher ionic strength, can lead to turbidity or phase separation—impacting reproducibility and formulation stability.
4. “Similar names ≠ identical products”
The same generic name (e.g., “polyoxyethylene lauryl ether”) may correspond to different EO distributions or alkyl-chain ranges. Selection should be based on key parameters (EO number, HLB, cloud point, hydroxyl value, Mn).
How to Use Aladdin’s Product Tables for Selection
1. In the AEO Main Table, first narrow down candidates by hydrophobe type (C12/C16/C18:1/branched).
2. Then shortlist products based on EO number/average molecular weight, cloud point, HLB, and physical form (solution/solid).
3. If you need low foam, a broader thermal operating window, or special operating conditions, consult the Appendix Table for EO/PO materials, derivatives, or reference systems as upgrade/substitute/benchmark options.
AEO Main Table (Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ethers, Alcohol Ethoxylates)
Category | Subcategory | CAS No. | Aladdin Cat. No. | Product name | Specification / Purity | Key function | Application field |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (Laureth; Brij L series) | 9002-92-0 | Brij® L23 | Suitable for Stein–Moore chromatography | Nonionic surfactant; solubilization/emulsification; mild detergency | Chromatographic analysis; biological research | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (Laureth; Brij L series) | 9002-92-0 | Brij® L23 Solution | 30% (w/v) in H₂O | Pre-made nonionic surfactant solution; convenient direct use | Chromatographic analysis; biological experiments | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (Laureth; Brij L series) | 9002-92-0 | Brij® L23 Concentrate | High purity | Emulsification/solubilization/surface activity | Chromatography; bioanalysis | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (Laureth; Brij/Laureth) | 9002-92-0 | Brij® 35 (polyoxyethylene lauryl ether) | Proteomics grade | Mild nonionic surfactant; protein solubilization/lysis | Protein research; biochemistry | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (Laureth; Brij/Laureth) | 9002-92-0 | Brij® L4 Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether (Brij 30) | average Mn ~362 | Emulsification/solubilization/detergency | Molecular biology; formulations | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (generic Laureth) | 9002-92-0 | Decaethylene glycol monododecyl ether | Nonionic surfactant | Emulsification/solubilization/dispersion | Oilfield; pharmaceuticals; emulsions | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (generic Laureth) | 9002-92-0 | Lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether | Hydroxyl Value 30–60 mgKOH/g | Emulsification/wetting/solubilization | Cleaners; cosmetic raw materials | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (generic Laureth) | 9002-92-0 | Lauryl alcohol polyether-4 (Laureth-4) | ≥99.5% | Emulsification/dispersion | Personal care; lotions; coatings | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: lauryl/dodecyl (PEG monoalkyl ether) | 9002-92-0 | Polyethylene glycol monododecyl ether | For membrane research | Solubilization/wetting; membrane-system compatibility | Water treatment; membrane research | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear mid-chain alcohol AEO: alkyl alcohol ethoxylates (generic) | 9002-92-0 | Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether | 100% | Wetting/emulsification/solubilization | Cleaners; coatings; emulsifiers | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear long-chain alcohol AEO: cetyl/hexadecyl (Cetyl, Ceteth; Brij 52/56/58) | 9004-95-9 | Brij® C2 Polyoxyethylene Ether (Brij® 52) | average Mn ~330 | Nonionic surfactant; wetting/emulsification | Emulsions; research/formulations | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear long-chain alcohol AEO: cetyl/hexadecyl (Cetyl, Ceteth) | 9004-95-9 | Brij® C10 PEG cetyl ether (Brij 56) | average Mn ~683 | Nonionic surfactant; emulsification/solubilization | Personal care; lotion systems | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear long-chain alcohol AEO: cetyl/hexadecyl (Cetyl, Ceteth) | 9004-95-9 | Brij™ C20 Polyoxyethylene Ether (Brij® 58) | average Mn ~1124 | Nonionic surfactant; emulsification/solubilization; system stabilization | Personal care; lotion systems; industrial emulsification | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear long-chain alcohol AEO: cetyl/hexadecyl (PEG monoalkyl ether) | 9004-95-9 | P684403 | Polyethylene glycol monocetyl ether | n ≈ 23 | Nonionic surfactant; emulsification/solubilization | Personal care; emulsifiers |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Unsaturated long-chain alcohol AEO: oleyl mono-oleyl ether (Oleyl, Oleth; Brij O series) | 9004-98-2 | Polyoxyethylene (2) oleyl ether | average Mn ~357 | Nonionic surfactant; wetting/emulsification | Emulsions; solubilizing aid | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Unsaturated long-chain alcohol AEO: oleyl mono-oleyl ether (Oleyl, Oleth) | 9004-98-2 | BRIJ™ O10 Polyoxyethylene(10) oleyl ether | Nonionic surfactant | Nonionic surfactant; emulsification/solubilization | Emulsifiers; formulations | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Unsaturated long-chain alcohol AEO: oleyl mono-oleyl ether (Oleyl, Oleth) | 9004-98-2 | BRIJ® O20 Polyoxyethylene(20) oleyl ether | average Mn ~1,150 | Nonionic surfactant; solubilization/emulsification; more hydrophilic | Solubilization systems; emulsions | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Unsaturated long-chain alcohol AEO: PEG monooleyl ether | 9004-98-2 | P742529 | Polyethylene glycol monooleyl ether | n ≈ 10 | Nonionic surfactant; emulsification/wetting | Formulation emulsification; solubilizing aid |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Unsaturated long-chain alcohol AEO: PEG monooleyl ether | 9004-98-2 | P742531 | Polyethylene glycol monooleyl ether | n ≈ 20 | Nonionic surfactant; solubilization/emulsification | Formulation emulsification; solubilizing aid |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Unsaturated long-chain alcohol AEO: PEG monooleyl ether | 9004-98-2 | P742533 | Polyethylene glycol monooleyl ether | n ≈ 50 | Nonionic surfactant; strong hydrophilic solubilization | Solubilization systems; formulation additives |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Branched-alcohol AEO: isooctyl/isodecyl ethoxylates (common industrial) | 61827-42-7 | Isodecyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether | E-1006 | Wetting/detergency/emulsification; low-foam tendency | Industrial cleaning; metal cleaning | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Branched-alcohol AEO: isooctyl alcohol ethoxylates (PEH series) | 26468-86-0 | Isooctyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether | PEH-3 | Wetting/emulsification (lower-EO characteristics) | Coatings/inks; wetting agent | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Branched-alcohol AEO: isooctyl alcohol ethoxylates (PEH series) | 26468-86-0 | Isooctyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether | PEH-6 | Wetting/emulsification/solubilization | Industrial cleaning; coating additives | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Branched-alcohol AEO: isooctyl alcohol ethoxylates (PEH series) | 26468-86-0 | Isooctyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether | PEH-15 | Solubilization/emulsification (higher-EO characteristics) | Emulsifiers; cleaners | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Industrial AEO: general fatty alcohol ethoxylates (Mw gradient) | 68131-39-5 | Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether | Mw ~315 | Wetting/detergency (relatively lower Mw) | Industrial cleaning; wetting agent | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Industrial AEO: general fatty alcohol ethoxylates (Mw gradient) | 68131-39-5 | Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether | Mw 400–500 | Emulsification/wetting/detergency | Industrial cleaning; emulsifiers | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Industrial AEO: general fatty alcohol ethoxylates (Mw gradient) | 68131-39-5 | Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether | Mw ~590 | Emulsification/solubilization (relatively higher Mw) | Industrial emulsification; formulation additives | |
AEO (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) | Linear long-chain alcohol AEO: octadecyl short-EO alcohol ether | 9005-00-9 | SP Brij® S2 MBAL | Main component: diethylene glycol octadecyl ether | Nonionic surfactant; emulsification/wetting | Emulsions; formulation additives |
Related Products Appendix (Not AEO; structurally/origin/reference related to AEO)
Category | Subcategory | CAS No. | Aladdin Cat. No. | Product name | Specification / Purity | Key function | Application field |
Fatty alcohol alkoxylates (EO/PO, non-AEO) | C12–C14 fatty alcohol EO/PO: low-foam/thermal window (cloud-point gradient) | 68439-51-0 | A196249 | C12–C14 fatty alcohol poly(oxyethylene) poly(oxypropylene) ether | ≥99%, Cloud point 55 °C | Emulsification/detergency/solubilization; low-foam tendency; low-temp window | Industrial cleaning; emulsifiers; textiles/dyeing & finishing |
Fatty alcohol alkoxylates (EO/PO, non-AEO) | C12–C14 fatty alcohol EO/PO: low-foam/thermal window (cloud-point gradient) | 68439-51-0 | A196247 | C12–C14 fatty alcohol poly(oxyethylene) poly(oxypropylene) ether | ≥99%, Cloud point 73 °C | Detergency/emulsification; mid-temp window; low-foam tendency | Industrial cleaning; textile processing; detergency formulations |
Fatty alcohol alkoxylates (EO/PO, non-AEO) | C12–C14 fatty alcohol EO/PO: low-foam/thermal window (cloud-point gradient) | 68439-51-0 | A196248 | C12–C14 fatty alcohol poly(oxyethylene) poly(oxypropylene) ether | ≥99%, Cloud point 88 °C | Detergency/emulsification; high-temp window; low-foam tendency | Textile processing; latex formulations; industrial cleaning |
Fatty alcohol alkoxylates (EO/PO, non-AEO) | C12–C14 fatty alcohol EO/PO: general type | 68439-51-0 | A298675 | C12–C14 fatty alcohol poly(oxyethylene) poly(oxypropylene) ether | ≥98% | Emulsification/detergency/solubilization; base material for low-foam systems | Cleaners; industrial emulsification; surfactant formulations |
Fatty alcohol alkoxylates (EO/PO, non-AEO) | Branded low-foam type (often compared with EO/PO systems) | 68439-51-0 | T486492 | TERGITOL™ MIN-FOAM 1X | – | Low foam/foam suppression; wetting/detergency | Oilfield; metal cleaning; wastewater treatment |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | Alkylphenol ethoxylates: nonylphenol (NPE/NP series) | 127087-87-0 | Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether | Type NP-10 | Emulsification/wetting/detergency | Industrial cleaning; water treatment | |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | Alkylphenol ethoxylates: nonylphenol (NPE/NP series) | 127087-87-0 | Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether | Type NP-9 | Emulsification/wetting/detergency | Industrial cleaning; chemical manufacturing | |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | Alkylphenol ethoxylates: nonylphenol (NPE/NP series) | 127087-87-0 | Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether | Type NP-7 | Emulsification/wetting/detergency | Wastewater treatment; industrial degreasing | |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | Alkylphenol ethoxylates: nonylphenol (NPE/NP series) | 127087-87-0 | Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether | Type NP-4 | Wetting/emulsification | Industrial cleaning; water treatment | |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | NP-40 (common research type) | 9016-45-9 | Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (Tergitol NP-40) | Isomer mixture, white flakes | Solubilization/detergency | Biological experiments; protein solubilization | |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | NP-40 (common research type) | 9016-45-9 | Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (Tergitol NP-40) | Isomer mixture | Solubilization/wetting | Biochemistry; industrial formulations | |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | NP-40 (solution form) | 9016-45-9 | Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (Tergitol NP-40) | ~10% in H₂O | Pre-made solution for direct use | Biological experiments; solution systems | |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | Alkylphenol derivatives (specialty) | 104376-75-2 | Distyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether | ≥91%, Cloud point 61 °C | Wetting/dispersion/emulsification | Coatings; dispersions | |
EO-based reference surfactants (non-AEO) | Alkylphenol derivatives (specialty) | 104376-75-2 | Distyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether | ≥91%, Cloud point 90 °C | Wetting/dispersion/emulsification; higher thermal window | Coatings; dispersions | |
Functional EO surfactants (non-AEO) | Amine ethoxylates: fatty amine ethoxylates (protonatable) | 26635-92-7 | Octadecylamine polyoxyethylene ether | Total amine value 50–60 mgKOH/g | Solubilization/emulsification/detergency (protonatable) | Cleaners; emulsifiers | |
Functional EO surfactants (non-AEO) | Amine ethoxylates: fatty amine ethoxylates (protonatable) | 26635-92-7 | Octadecylamine polyoxyethylene ether | Total amine value 75–85 mgKOH/g | Solubilization/emulsification/detergency | Cleaners; emulsifiers | |
Functional EO surfactants (non-AEO) | Amine ethoxylates: fatty amine ethoxylates (protonatable) | 26635-92-7 | Octadecylamine polyoxyethylene ether | Total amine value 150–165 mgKOH/g | Solubilization/detergency | Cleaners; solubilizers | |
Functional EO surfactants (non-AEO) | Amine ethoxylates: fatty amine ethoxylates (protonatable) | 26635-92-7 | Octadecylamine polyoxyethylene ether | Total amine value 173–183 mgKOH/g | Solubilization/detergency | Cleaners; solubilizers | |
AEO derivatives (ionic) | Anionic: ether sulfates (AES/SLES; sulfated AEO derivatives) | 9004-82-4 | Sodium polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether sulfate | ≥25% | Cleansing/foaming/wetting/emulsification (anionic) | Personal-care cleaning; detergent formulations | |
AEO derivatives (ionic) | Anionic: ether sulfates (AES/SLES) | 68585-34-2 | Sodium lauryl polyoxyethylene ether sulfate | 70% | Cleansing/foaming/wetting/emulsification (anionic) | Personal care; industrial cleaning | |
Specialty reference systems (non-AEO) | Fluorinated alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers (fluorosurfactants) | (to be added) | Perfluorohexyl ethanol polyoxyethylene ether | ≥95% | Ultra-low surface tension wetting/spreading | Specialty wetting; surface treatment |
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