4-nonylphenol

4-Nonylphenol (CAS 104-40-5), also known as p-Nonylphenol, is an alkylphenol intermediate used across industrial chemistry as a precursor to nonionic surfactants and as a functional additive in its own right. It serves as a building block for ethoxylated surfactants, antioxidants, and polymer stabilizers in a broad range of manufacturing processes. Its primary industrial role is as a raw material for nonylphenol ethoxylates.

These ethoxylates are used as emulsifiers, dispersants, and wetting agents in textile processing, agricultural formulations, and industrial cleaners. In plastics and polymer manufacturing, it is reacted to produce antioxidant stabilizers. These stabilizers protect polyolefins and rubber compounds during processing and service life. Metalworking and lubricant formulators use it as a base for extreme-pressure additive packages and corrosion inhibitors.

It is frequently utilized in cutting fluids and gear oils. In leather processing and paper manufacturing, it contributes to emulsification and surface modification steps during wet finishing operations. 4-Nonylphenol is supplied as a liquid at ambient conditions, typically in drum and IBC quantities for industrial buyers. It is available in technical grade, with purity specifications commonly at 99% or above.

Purity levels depend on the intended downstream synthesis. Bulk supply in tanker quantities is standard for large-scale surfactant and additive producers requiring consistent chemical feedstock for high-volume manufacturing.