Surfactants
REACH
Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether
CAS Number
9016-45-9
EC Number
500-024-6
Abbreviation
NPE
What is Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether?
Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether (CAS 9016-45-9), commercially known as Nonoxynols or by the abbreviation NPE, is a nonionic surfactant used in industrial and institutional cleaning.
Where is Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether used?
- Textile processing: scouring and wetting agent enabling uniform dye penetration and soil removal from fiber substrates
- Agricultural formulations: emulsifier and dispersant in pesticide concentrates, improving active ingredient delivery and tank-mix stability
- Industrial and institutional cleaners: degreasing on hard surfaces, metal parts and process equipment
- Pulp and paper manufacturing: pitch control and process wetting agent during sheet formation
- The ethoxylate chain length varies across grades, allowing formulators to select specific HLB values for emulsification and wetting.
Commercial specifications
- Standard technical grades most common; concentrations expressed by ethylene oxide mole count such as NPE-9 or NPE-10
Other Names (Synonyms)
Nonoxynols|4-nonylphenol diethoxylate|Nonylphenol ethoxylates (npe)|2-[2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethanol|Nonylphenol ethoxylate|NPE|E913
What are the physical properties of Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether?
Melting Point 42-43 °C
Boiling Point 250 °C(lit.)
Density 1.06 g/cm³ @ Temp: 10 °C
Flash Point 535 °F
Color clear colorless
Form Clear, colorless liquid
Water Solubility water: 25mg/mL aqueous buffer: soluble
Vapor Pressure 1.4hPa at 25℃
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.495(lit.)
pH 5-8 (5% in H2O)
Log P 3.7-4.48 at 25℃
How is Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard GHS09· Environmental Hazard
Hazard Statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements
P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether?
HS Code 34021300
UN Number 3082
ADR Class 9
Packing Group III
Storage Class 10 - Combustible liquids
WGK (Germany) 2