Tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether

Tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether (CAS 5274-68-0), also known as tetraethylene glycol monolauryl ether, is a nonionic surfactant combining a C12 alkyl chain with a four-unit ethylene oxide head group.

It functions as an emulsifier, dispersant, and solvent carrier across industrial and personal care manufacturing. In personal care formulations, it emulsifies oil-in-water systems and solubilizes active ingredients.

This material is commonly found in cleansers, conditioners, and skin-care products. Textile and leather processing operations use it as a wetting and scouring agent to improve dye penetration and substrate uniformity.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers incorporate it as a solubilizing carrier for poorly water-soluble actives in topical and liquid formulations. It ensures stability and consistency in complex chemical mixtures.

In industrial cleaning compounds, its combined degreasing and dispersing action makes it effective in hard-surface and equipment cleaning concentrates. It remains stable across various pH levels and temperatures.

Tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether is supplied as a clear to slightly hazy liquid at ambient temperature. Technical grade is the standard commercial offering for most industrial applications.

Higher-purity grades are available to meet pharmaceutical and personal care quality requirements. Packaging typically ranges from drums to intermediate bulk containers, depending on specific volume requirements.