Cetoleth-21 is another compound from a wide group of surfactants. It is used in a number of applications due to its emulsifying and dispersing effect. The popularity in industrial products results from its unique properties and physical and chemical characteristics. As one of the components, it is found in creams, lotions, detergents, paints and varnishes as well as plant protection products.
The compound with the INCI name Cetoleth-21 belongs to non-ionic surfactants from the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols. The full chemical name of Cetoleth-21 is alcohols, C16-18 and C18 – unsaturated, ethoxylated. Its CAS number is 68920-66-1. Cetoleth-21 can be manufactured based on raw materials of natural origin.
The physical and chemical properties of Cetoleth-21:
The chemical structure of Cetoleth-21 determines its very good emulsifying properties against white spirit, kerosene, xylene, and vegetable and animal fats. The hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of Cetoleth-21 is 16.5, which indicates that it is a highly hydrophilic substance, well soluble in water – it creates transparent solutions. For this reason, Cetoleth-21 is eagerly chosen as an emulsifier in plant protection products, especially in EC, EW and SE formulations.
As an emulsifier, Cetoleth-21 is also used in the cosmetics industry. Most cosmetics are in the form of emulsions due to the different chemical nature of the ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Cetoleth-21 allows them to be compounded in order to obtain the desired consumer product. It can be found in the composition of, among others, body creams and lotions. It also acts as a solubiliser of essential oils, which are a popular additive to cosmetics.
Cetoleth-21 can be one of the ingredients added to paints and varnishes. It acts as a dispersant of dyes and pigments in order to obtain a high-quality colour. Its dispersing abilities mean that it is also added to dye formulations as a latex dispersing agent.
As a surfactant of high hydrophilicity, Cetoleth-21 is readily added to washing agents. It is particularly effective in washing baths in combination with other surfactants. Moreover, it is effective over a wide temperature range which is an important feature for washing agents. It is active in low, medium and high temperatures. Additionally, it shows good effectiveness in acidic, neutral and slightly alkaline environments.
