Triethylene glycol monododecyl ether

Triethylene glycol monododecyl ether (CAS 3055-94-5), also known commercially as Laureth-3, is a nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant. It reduces interfacial tension between oil and water phases, enabling stable emulsification. This chemical allows for effective soil removal across a range of formulated products. In home care and industrial cleaning formulations, it functions as a primary or co-surfactant in hard surface cleaners.

It is frequently used in degreasers and laundry products where low-foam or controlled-foam profiles are required. Personal care manufacturers incorporate it as an emulsifier and solubilizer in creams and lotions. The compound is also utilized in rinse-off products for its gentle properties. Textile and leather processing operations use it as a wetting and scouring agent to improve substrate penetration during preparation.

It is highly effective during dyeing stages to ensure even color distribution. In coatings and adhesive systems, it acts as a dispersing aid and wetting agent to improve pigment distribution and adhesion. Triethylene glycol monododecyl ether is supplied as a liquid or low-viscosity paste depending on temperature and concentration. It is available in technical grade for industrial and cleaning applications.

The material is also offered as cosmetic-grade material meeting purity requirements for personal care use. Bulk supply is standard in drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for large scale manufacturing.