Nonylphenol

Nonylphenol (CAS 84852-15-3), also referred to commercially as branched 4-nonylphenol, is a nonionic surfactant intermediate used across industrial cleaning, textile processing, and polymer manufacturing. Its primary function is as a building block for nonylphenol ethoxylates, and it also acts directly as an emulsifier, dispersant, and wetting agent in formulated products.

In industrial and institutional cleaning formulations, it is incorporated to improve soil release and surface wetting on hard surfaces and equipment. Textile and leather processors use it as a scouring agent. This ensures uniform dye penetration and surface preparation. In plastics and rubber compounding, it functions as a processing aid and antioxidant precursor, contributing to stabilizer systems in PVC and rubber formulations.

Paper manufacturers apply it in sizing and coating processes where controlled surface tension is required. Nonylphenol is supplied as a liquid at ambient temperatures, typically in bulk quantities via IBC, drum, or tanker. Technical grade is the standard commercial specification for industrial applications. Purity levels commonly available in the market range around 99%, with product conforming to industrial-use specifications.

The material is handled according to standard industrial protocols rather than food or pharmaceutical standards such as FCC, USP, Ph.Eur., BP, EP, or ACS.