According to the international nomenclature system for ingredients of cosmetics, INCI, the non-ionic surfactant from the broad group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols is known under the name of Isodeceth-3. It belongs to those surfactants whose structure is based on the constitution of isodecyl alcohol. This family of compounds is important for the industry and exhibits very good detergency and dispersing properties. In chemical formulations, they are most frequently encountered as surfactants in cleaners for both household and institutional use. In the global identification CAS system, the number for Isodeceth-3 is 78330-20-8.
Under normal conditions, defined as an atmospheric pressure and room temperature of approx. 20oC, Isodeceth-3 is a clear or slightly clouded liquid. The solidification point of the substance is determined empirically as around -16oC. The colour of its liquid form is determined at a higher temperature of approx. 40oC, as up to 50 on the Hazen scale. This stands to a faint, light yellowish colour. The substance also has a point specific for liquid surfactants, at which the solution undergoes a liquid-liquid phase separation or liquid-solid phase transition, forming a stable sol or a solution with sediment settling down. Due to this phenomenon, a butyl diglycol/water solution becomes strongly clouded already at approx. 51 – 55oC. This is caused by the limited solubility of Isodeceth-3 in water. Similarly to other substances in the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, Isodeceth-3 is capable of forming unstable foam.
Due to its non-ionic nature, Isodeceth-3 is compatible and can be used as an ingredient of formulations in combinations both with other surfactants having a similar non-ionic structure and with cationic or anionic surfactants. It is highly reactive over a broad range of media reactions, while showing the best performance in solutions whose pH varies from slightly alkaline to acidic. The hardness of water used as a solvent does not interfere with the surface activity of Isodeceth-3 either. This chemical compound has very strong properties desired in the case of surfactants; it is an excellent wetting and emulsifying agent and it enhances dispersion. As Isodeceth-3 complies with all the criteria laid down in Regulation (EC) No. 648/2004 on detergents, it is considered to be fully biodegradable in the natural environment, having in consequence no negative impact on the wildlife that is endangered by chemicals, especially in water reservoirs.
The great variety of applications of Isodeceth-3 in the industry is due to many features of the substance that are desirable for different industries. Due to resistance to varying reactions of media, this chemical compound is used as an ingredient of acidic formulations, disinfecting products, products that contain various solvents as well as chemicals for removing dirt and impurities from hard surface at home or in institutions. Due to its very good emulsifying properties for oils, Isodeceth-3 is readily used in the metal industry. It is a perfect choice for cleaning vehicles, engines, machine parts and tank trucks/cars, where is it used as an ingredient of cleaners and degreasers.
