Octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether

Octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, also known as C12E8, Laureth-8, or dodecyloctaglycol (CAS 3055-98-9), is a nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant with an eight-unit ethylene oxide chain attached to a twelve-carbon dodecyl tail. It carries no E-code designation and is not classified as a food additive.

In textile processing, C12E8 functions as a wetting and scouring agent by reducing interfacial tension between fiber surfaces and aqueous baths, enabling uniform dye penetration. In water treatment formulations, its balanced HLB supports stable oil-in-water emulsification of hydrophobic contaminants, while in personal care systems it acts as a solubiliser for fragrance and active ingredients at low concentrations.

This material is supplied as a colourless solid and falls under HS code 2909.49.6000. It is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. Procurement teams should confirm available pack sizes and certificate of analysis specifications, including purity and ethylene oxide distribution, directly with the supplier.