# Ethoxylated C9-11 Alcohol with 6 EO Units: A Versatile Surfactant
## Introduction to C9-11 Pareth 6
C9-11 Pareth 6, also known as ethoxylated C9-11 alcohol with 6 ethylene oxide (EO) units, is a nonionic surfactant widely used in various industrial and consumer applications. This chemical compound belongs to the family of alcohol ethoxylates, which are known for their excellent surface-active properties.
## Chemical Structure and Properties
The molecular structure of C9-11 Pareth 6 consists of:
– A C9-11 hydrocarbon chain (9 to 11 carbon atoms)
– A polyoxyethylene chain containing 6 ethylene oxide units
– A terminal hydroxyl group
This balanced structure gives the compound its unique properties:
– HLB value: Approximately 12-13 (moderate hydrophilicity)
– Solubility: Soluble in water and many organic solvents
– Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
## Manufacturing Process
The production of C9-11 Pareth 6 involves the ethoxylation of C9-11 fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction is carefully controlled to achieve the desired degree of ethoxylation (6 EO units per molecule).
## Key Applications
### 1. Household and Industrial Cleaning
C9-11 Pareth 6 serves as an effective surfactant in:
– Dishwashing liquids
– Laundry detergents
– Hard surface cleaners
– Industrial degreasers
### 2. Personal Care Products
Due to its mildness, it’s used in:
– Shampoos
– Body washes
– Facial cleansers
– Cosmetic formulations
### 3. Industrial Applications
– Textile processing
– Agricultural formulations
– Metal working fluids
– Paint and coatings
## Advantages Over Other Surfactants
C9-11 Pareth 6 offers several benefits:
– Excellent wetting and emulsifying properties
– Good compatibility with other surfactants
– Low irritation potential compared to some anionic surfactants
– Stable performance across a wide pH range
– Cost-effective performance
## Environmental and Safety Considerations
While C9-11 Pareth 6 is generally considered safe for its intended uses, proper handling procedures should be followed:
– Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling concentrated forms
– Store in well-ventilated areas away from strong oxidizers
– Follow local regulations for disposal
– Biodegradation studies show >60% degradation within 28 days (OECD 301 standards)
## Market Trends and Future Outlook
The global demand for C9-11 Pareth 6 continues to grow, driven by:
– Increasing consumption of household and personal care products
– Shift toward more environmentally friendly surfactants
Keyword: C9-11 Pareth 6
– Expansion of industrial applications in emerging markets
Manufacturers are focusing on improving production efficiency and developing more sustainable variants of this versatile surfactant.