Isotrideceth-5 is the INCI name of a substance derived from the structure of isotridecyl alcohol (iso-C13). It is a non-ionic surfactant that belongs to the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols. The CAS number used to identify Isotrideceth-5 is 69011-36-5.
At a normal ambient temperature, i.e. approx. 25oC, Isotrideceth-5 is a clear or slightly clouded liquid with a characteristic faint odour. It tends to delaminate, but a slightly elevated temperature and mixing make it homogeneous and clear. It is marked below 100 on the Hazen scale, which stands for a slightly yellowish colour. The water solubility of Isotrideceth-5 is poor; aqueous solutions form emulsions. The corresponding hydrophile-lipophile balance is in the middle of the scale used, reaching the value of 10.5. The cloud point that is characteristic for non-ionic surfactants, at which the mixture becomes clouded during heating, is approx 60-62oC. At the temperature point, the substance begins to break into phases. This separation is a characteristic feature of substances that contain polyoxyethylene chains. This applies both to aqueous solutions and to an approx. 25% butyl diglycol solution. The molar mass is assumed to be 420 g/mol, but it depends on the precise content of each group. The density of Isotrideceth-5 at the temperature of 30oC is approx 0.96 g/ml, and the solidification point is close to -5oC.
Isotrideceth-5 is an excellent wetting and dispersing agent. It reduces the surface tension of water and thus penetrates the spaces between solid particles and also prevents the caking of a substance, making its consistency more stable. As it is a non-ionic substance, it can be added to different formulations, whether based on non-ionic, anionic or cationic agents. Further, it is suitable for virtually any media, from acidic to alkaline ones, and does not depend on reducing or oxidising agents. As Isotrideceth-5 meets the criteria set out in the relevant directive concerning detergents, it is considered to be fully biodegradable.
As a detergent, Isotrideceth-5 can be used to clean a variety of domestic and industrial surfaces. For example, it is used in the machine-building industry to remove heavy soiling. It causes the dispergation of dirt particles both from hard materials and woven/knitted fabrics. As it emulsifies mineral oils, it can remove stains that appear during the knitting/weaving pre-treatment processes. As it improves the capillarity of dyes, it is also used both during the bleaching and dyeing of cotton. Due to its compatibility with silicone-based compounds, it is suitable as an ingredient of shampoos, hair conditions and washing cosmetics. As an emulsifier, it is a valuable ingredient used during the processing of hydraulic fluids and metals. On the other hand, its wettability makes it useful in concrete and cement mixes, where it enhances the plasticity and workability of mixes, while keeping them fresh longer. This does not require changing the water to cement content ratio in the concrete mix, it is all due to the capacity of Isotrideceth-5 to wet cement grains rapidly and maximise the aeration of the mix.
