Ethoxylated C9-11 Alcohol with 6 EO Units

# 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 is created through the ethoxylation of C9-11 fatty alcohols, resulting in a product with excellent surface-active properties.

## Chemical Structure and Properties

The molecular structure of C9-11 Pareth 6 consists of:

– A hydrophobic tail (C9-11 alkyl chain)
– A hydrophilic head (6 ethylene oxide units)

This balanced structure gives the surfactant its amphiphilic nature, allowing it to reduce surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid. Key properties include:

– HLB value typically between 12-14
– Good solubility in water
– Mild cleaning properties
– Excellent wetting and emulsifying capabilities

## Manufacturing Process

The production of C9-11 Pareth 6 involves:

1. Selection of C9-11 fatty alcohol feedstock
2. Purification of raw materials
3. Ethoxylation reaction under controlled conditions
4. Neutralization and purification of the final product

The ethoxylation process is carefully controlled to achieve the desired average of 6 EO units per molecule, ensuring consistent product quality.

## Applications in Various Industries

### Personal Care Products

C9-11 Pareth 6 is commonly found in:

– Shampoos and conditioners
– Body washes and shower gels
– Facial cleansers
– Shaving products

Its mildness makes it suitable for skin-contact applications while providing effective cleansing and foaming properties.

### Household and Industrial Cleaners

This surfactant is used in:

– Dishwashing liquids
– Laundry detergents
– Hard surface cleaners
– Industrial degreasers

The balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic properties make it effective for removing both oily and particulate soils.

### Other Applications

Additional uses include:

– Agricultural formulations
– Textile processing
– Paint and coatings
– Oilfield chemicals

## Safety and Environmental Considerations

C9-11 Pareth 6 is generally considered:

– Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
– Low in toxicity to aquatic organisms
– Mild to human skin at typical use concentrations

However, proper handling procedures should always be followed, including:

– Use of personal protective equipment when handling concentrated forms
– Proper storage conditions
– Adherence to local environmental regulations for disposal

## Market Trends and Future Outlook

The demand for C9-11 Pareth 6 continues to grow due to:

– Increasing consumption of personal care products
– Shift toward milder surfactants
– Growth in household cleaning product markets
– Expansion of industrial applications

Manufacturers are focusing on sustainable production methods and bio-based alternatives to meet evolving market demands and environmental regulations.

## Conclusion

C9-11 Pareth 6 remains a versatile and valuable surfactant in numerous applications. Its balanced properties, effectiveness, and relative mildness ensure its continued use across multiple industries. As technology advances, we can expect to see further refinements in production processes and applications for this important chemical compound.