Isotrideceth-7 is the INCI name of a chemical ingredient that is also known as ethoxylated isotridecanol. It is a non-ionic surfactant that represents a broad group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, which are common among surface-active substances. The structure of Isotrideceth-7 is derived from isotridecyl alcohol (C13). The CAS number used to identify this substance is 69011-36-5.
Under the temperature conditions of 20-25oC, the substance is a clear or clouded liquid with a faint yet characteristic odour. Its colour at 50oC is classified as maximum 100 points on the Hazen scale. Its molecular mass is not determined unequivocally due to different possible structural configuration, but it is assumed to be approx. 510 g/mol. The cloud point of its solution in water or in butyl diglycol ranges from 65-70oC. The temperature at which the pure substance solidifies is much lower though and equals 5oC. The substance has a limited water solubility and its solutions may look clouded. It is confirmed that the cloudiness disappears during gentle heating and mixing. The pH of a 10% aqueous solution oscillates around 5.0-7.0, i.e. from slightly acidic to neutral. The density of Isotrideceth-7 determined at 30oC is approx. 0.97 g/ml. The viscosity of the substance at 25oC is determined as 57 mPa/s. The HLB index, that stands for the hydrophile-lipophile balance, implies poor to moderate hydrophilic properties, corresponding to the value of approx. 12 on a 0-20 scale.
Ethoxylated (7EO) C3 alcohol, with the INCI name: Isotrideceth-7, has very strong wetting properties, while its foamability is poor for an ethoxylated derivative. The ingredient may be used under diverse conditions – Isotrideceth-7 will be effective in the environment of oxidising or reducing media, in water of high hardness, in a solvent having a low temperature and in acidic to diluted, weak alkaline reactions. Other key properties of the substance include very strong dispersing and emulsifying properties also for mineral oils.
Isotrideceth-7 is part of chemical constitutions of cleaning agents for both domestic and industrial use. As it is able to remove bituminous masses from construction machinery, it is used in professional industry preparations. It can be used as an ingredient for removing oil stains during textile processing or for enhancing cotton bleaching or fibre dyeing. Due to its compatibility with silicone derivatives, it is also used in hair care and styling formulations. Moreover, it is used in cosmetology for the production of shower gels and foams. It has another use, in the agrochemical industry, where it acts as an emulsifier and wetting agent in liquid pesticide formulations. On account of the latter property – a very good wettability, Isotrideceth-7 is used in aerating admixtures for concrete and cement mortars. It facilitates the introduction of tiny air bubbles into the moulding sand, which increases the plasticity and workability of the concrete mix. The substance is also an important ingredient in the constitutions of automotive chemicals and as it is approved for food contact, it is used in the production of containers and packaging designed for food contact.
