Isotrideceth-3 is the name in the international nomenclature system for ingredients of cosmetics, INCI, that corresponds to a surfactant from the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols. In practice, it is a non-ionic surfactant with a leading structure of isotridecyl alcohol (iso-C13). The CAS number for Isotrideceth-3 is 69011-36-5.
Under normal conditions, Isotrideceth-3 is a clear or slightly clouded liquid. It tends to stratify but becomes homogeneous when gently heated. When it exceeds approx. 48oC though, Isotrideceth-3 in the form of an aqueous or butyl diglycol solution returns to the form of a clouded solution, as it is its cloud point. This unusually low temperature value is supported by a poor water solubility of Isotrideceth-3, its high hydrophobicity and tendency to form emulsions with this solvent. The substance has a slightly yellowish colour at 40oC. It is marked at maximum 100 units on the Hazen scale.
Due to its non-ionic character, Isotrideceth-3 is a surfactant with somewhat poorer washing properties than other types of surfactants; however, it is the most healthy one to use and can also be used as an ingredient of cosmetic formulations for people with sensitive skin. Due to its non-ionic properties, it can be also used in combination with other non-ionic substances as well as cationic and anionic surfactants. Most surfactants in the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols have poor foaming properties, but Isotrideceth-3 is distinguished by its total lack of foaming capacity.
Due to its very good detergency, emulsifying and dispersing properties, Isotrideceth-3 is a desirable ingredient for cleaning chemicals: in formulations for household use, for broadly-defined industry and for institutional applications. It can be used as one of the ingredients of professional laundry washing liquids but also preparations for heavy machine soiling. Further, due to the combination of its capacities to emulsify oils and to improve the capillarity of dyes, it is used also during the production of woven and knitted fabrics. It is found useful in pre-treatments as it can remove machine oil stains, while also facilitating subsequent operations, including the bleaching of cotton fibres. The capacity of Isotrideceth-3 to emulsify oils is also suitable for compositions of aromatic sprays such as air fresheners. Moreover, it acts as a washing substance and emulsifier in washing cosmetics, shampoos and also aromatic mists for the hair and body. Due to its very good wetting and aeration properties, Isotrideceth-3 is an important ingredient of concrete mixes and cement mortars. With this ingredient, the produced mix has many air bubbles in its structure, which translates into an exceptionally high plasticity and workability of the mix, without the need to change the W/C factor. At the same time it contributes to its longer lasting freshness. The industrial applications of Isotrideceth-3 include the role of an emulsifier used in the processing of metals such as iron, and the use in EC, EW and SE liquid pesticides.
