Octylphenol-polyoxyethylene ether

Octylphenol-polyoxyethylene ether (CAS 9036-19-5), commonly abbreviated as OPE and sold commercially as Triton X-405, is a nonionic ethoxylated surfactant used across industrial cleaning, textile processing, and agricultural formulations. It functions primarily as an emulsifier, wetting agent, and dispersant, enabling stable mixing of oil and water phases in complex formulations. In industrial and household cleaning concentrates, OPE solubilizes oils and greases into aqueous systems.

This improves detergent performance on hard surfaces and fabrics. Textile processors use it to improve fiber wetting and dye penetration during scouring and finishing operations, ensuring uniform treatment across substrates. In agrochemical formulations, it stabilizes emulsifiable concentrates and suspension concentrates, helping active ingredients distribute evenly on leaf surfaces. Leather and paper manufacturers apply it as a wetting and softening aid.

During processing baths, consistent surface penetration is critical to product quality. Octylphenol-polyoxyethylene ether is supplied as a liquid or viscous solution, with the 70% aqueous solution being the most standard form. Technical grade is the predominant specification for industrial buyers, though formulation-grade variants are available depending on application requirements. Drum and IBC packaging are typical for bulk procurement.