Isodeceth-8 is the INCI system name for a compound belonging to the group of surfactants: ethoxylated fatty alcohols. Its CAS number (allowing for global identification of a substance) is 78330-20-8. Isodeceth-8 is a non-ionic surfactant whose structure is based on isodecyl alcohol. It is widely used in cleaning formulations due to its exceptionally good detergency and dispersing properties.
Under atmospheric pressure and at room temperature, Isodeceth-8 is a clear or slightly clouded liquid. Under warmer conditions, at approx. 40oC, the liquid substance has a colour determined at a maximum of 50 points on the Hazen scale, which stands for its slightly yellowish, yet still poorly discernible colour. As most compounds in the family of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, Isodeceth-8 has a cloud point in an aqueous solution. It is the temperature at which the substance separates into two phases, forming a heterogeneous solution. The change occurs between 64 and 68oC. Isodeceth-8 is well soluble in most commonly used solvents such as water, diethyl ether and acetone. Similarly to most ethoxylated derivatives of isodecyl alcohol, the substance forms unstable foam.
Ethoxylated fatty alcohols used in many industrial branches share a number of features including good wetting, detergency, emulsifying and dispersing properties. Those features make the substances, Isodeceth-8 included, so common in many formulations, particularly cleaners. Moreover, Isodeceth-8 has the most stable activity in all media (from acidic to alkaline) among isodecyl alcohol ethoxylates, Isodeceth-7 included. It is not affected by a higher hardness of water. Simimlarly to all the non-ionic surfactants, Isodeceth-8 is compatible and may be used with other non-ionic, cationic or anionic detergents. Isodeceth-8 is a fully biodegradable agent in accordance with the biodegradation criteria established under Regulation (CE) No. 648/2004 on detergents.
Due to its numerous positive properties, Isodeceth-8 is present in many formulations that feature different media and among diverse solvents, not just aqueous solutions. Isodeceth-8 is added for example to many disinfecting products as well as chemical cleaners used for household and institutional purposes. Besides the possibility to remove dirt from hard surfaces, Isodeceth-8 will also be suitable for woven/knitted fabrics. Due to its capability to emulsify mineral oil stains, it is used during industrial treatments of fabrics if stains appeared at earlier stages. Another noteworthy aspect is the very good wetting capability. Due to that property, Isodeceth-8 used as an ingredient of a cotton bleaching composition will accelerate the bleaching process and make it more effective. This is achieved by improving the capillarity of dyes on cotton fabric, so the substance may be also used during dyeing.
