Isotrideceth-6 is the INCI name of a chemical substance that is one of the non-ionic surfactants which are ethoxylated fatty alcohols. This surfactant whose precursor is isotridecyl alcohol is used as an ingredient of many chemical formulations in a range of industries, from the agrochemical, to the textile and cosmetic industry. The CAS number used to identify Isotrideceth-6 is 69011-36-5.
Under normal conditions, i.e. at approx. 25oC, Isotrideceth-6 is a clouded liquid. As the temperature rises, the liquid turns from clouded to clear and becomes transparent already at the temperature of 50oC. On the Hazen scale, under the conditions of 50oC, the colour of the substance does not exceed the value of 100, which stands for yellowish as compared to distilled water. The chemical compound has a faint, yet discernible odour. The cloud point temperature at which a 10% solution of the surfactant (Isotrideceth-6) in 25% butyl diglycol (BDG) or in water becomes to agglomerate at the molecular level, giving rise to a clouded physical appearance, is approx. 70oC. The hydroxyl (acetyl) value determined for the substance in the unit of mg KOH/g is between 110-120. A 1% aqueous solution of Isotrideceth-6 shows a slightly acidic to neutral medium (pH 5.0-7.0). The viscosity and density of the substance determined at the temperature of 50oC oscillate around 22 cSt and 960 g/ml respectively. The approximate molar mass is 460 g/l (which is due to different possible configurations of the structure). The solidification point is determined at -3oC.
The water solubility of Isotrideceth-6 is poor, therefore it becomes an emulsion in aqueous solutions. The hydrophile-lipophile balance determined for the substance implies a poor to moderate hydrophilicity and the use of the substance as an O/W emulsifier, and takes the value of 11.4. The substance also exhibits a good capacity to emulsify the most commonly used oils. It has strong cleaning properties and exceptionally high wetting properties. In combination with the low foamability of the substance, they make Isotrideceth-6 a useful ingredient of many mixtures for domestic or industrial use. The substance does not change its properties in cold or hard water, over an acidic to slightly alakline pH range or in combination with oxidising or reducing agents.
The most common use of Isotrideceth-6 is in cleaning agents, where it has different functions such as a defoamer, degreaser, emulsifier or non-ionic surfactant. It has the same functions and softening properties in cosmetics, where its advantages are also boosted by a compatibility with derivatives of silicone compounds. On account of its wetting capacity, Isotrideceth-6 is also used in the production of plant protection products and in broadly defined textile and cotton production processes, where it can both remove oil stains from knitted/woven fabrics and enhance the bleaching and subsequent dyeing of cotton, as it improves the capillarity of other solution ingredients. Isotrideceth-6 is also used in the construction industry during the production of concrete and cement mortars. This is due to the fact that in addition to uniform wetting, the substance can facilitate the desired aeration of the cement mix, which in turn enhances its workability and freshness. As the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and BfR (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung), i.e. the US and German organisations respectively that regulate substances approved for the production of food-contact products, have approved its use for indirect food contact, Isotrideceth-6 may be used in the production of packaging and materials for food products.
