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IGEPAL CA-720 serves as a nonionic surfactant, finding application across various phases of detergent compounding and aqueous processing in industries like textiles, paper, industrial metal cleaning, acid cleaning, floor cleaning, detergent sanitization, and waterless hand cleaning. It's classified within the chemical group of octyl phenol ethoxylates.

Chemical Name: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-.omega.-hydroxy-

Functions: Surfactant, Surfactant (Nonionic)

Synonyms: (p-t-Octylphenoxy)polyethoxyethanol, Ortho-Gynol, p-tert-Octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol, p-tert-Octylphenoxypolyoxyethanol, Poly(oxyethylene) p-tert-octylphenyl ether, Polyethylene glycol mono(4-octylphenyl) ether, Polyethylene glycol mono(4-tert-octylphenyl) ether, Polyethylene glycol mono(p-tert-octylphenyl) ether, Polyethylene glycol mono[p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl] ether, Polyethylene glycol octylphenol ether, Polyethylene glycol p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl ether, Polyethylene glycol p-octylphenol ether, Polyethylene glycol p-octylphenyl ether, Polyethylene glycol p-tert-octylphenol ether, Polyethylene glycol p-tert-octylphenyl ether, Polyethylene oxide-p-tert-octylphenyl ether, Polyoxyethylene glycol-p-tert-octylphenyl ether, Polyoxyethylene mono(octylphenyl) ether, α-[p-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-ω-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene)

Technical Data Sheet

Knowde Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Cleaning Ingredients Functions
CAS No.
9002-93-1
EC No.
618-344-0

Features & Benefits

Biodegradability

IGEPAL CA products are biodegradable.

Applications & Uses

Industrial Additives End Use
Applications
  • IGEPAL CA 720 is generally used in applications similar to those for IGEPAL CA 630 and is recommended for high temperature applications where improved compatibility with electrolyte solutions is required.
  • IGEPAL CA products do not ionize in water, hence are nonionic and nonelectrolytic, and are not subject to hydrolysis by aqueous solutions of acid or alkali. They cannot form salts with metal ions and are equally effective in hard and soft waters. Their nonionic nature makes them useful with either anionic or cationic agents, and with positively or negatively charged colloids.
  • The amount of ethylene oxide combined with octyl phenol determines the solubility of the IGEPAL CA product in water, oil, or organic solvent. Greater solubility in water and water -miscible solvents is found in the types which contain larger amounts of ethylene oxide. The IGEPAL CA products with lower amounts of ethylene oxide are soluble or dispersible in mineral oils and water-immiscible solvents. The types which are soluble in water dissolve to a crystal clear solution.

Properties

Physical Form
Appearance
Pale yellow liquid (at 25°C)
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Actives Contentmin. 99.5%
Cloud Point (in 1% aqueous solution, at 25°C)85 - 90°C
Colormax. 100Apha Scale
HLB14.6
Number of Moles of Ethylene Oxide12
pH (in 5% aqueous)6.5 - 8.5
Pour Point15°C
Ross Miles Foam Height (in 0.1% aqueous, at 25°C, initial)125mm
Specific Gravity1.06 - 1.08g/ml
Surface Tension (in 0.01% aqueous, at 25°C)32dynes/cm

Regulatory & Compliance

Chemical Inventories
Clearances

This product is listed on the Canadian Domestic Substances List.

Safety & Health

Toxicity

IGEPAL CA 720 is slightly toxic orally and minimally irritating to eyes at 5%. (LD₅₀ is 1800 mg/kg.)

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type
Standard Packaging

IGEPAL CA 720 is available in bulk and 215 kilogram drums.

Storage & Handling

Storage & Handling
  • Normal safety precautions (i.e. gloves and safety goggles) should be employed when handling IGEPAL CA products. Contact with eyes and prolonged contact with skin should be avoided. Wash thoroughly after handling material.
  • It is recommended that IGEPAL CA products be stored in sealed containers and kept in a cool dry place. Avoid contact with concentrated forms of oxidizing or reducing agents.
  • Although IGEPAL CA 720 will solidify at low temperature, this change in physical form is reversible and does not affect performance. IGEPAL CA 720 is stable and can be used safely with acid, alkali, and dilute solutions of may oxidizing and reducing agents. These products will discolor when in contact with anhydrous caustic and metasilicate. Moderate quantities may be used with phosphates, carbonates, etc., without excessive color change.
  • Bulk Storage Information: IGEPAL CA products can be stored in vessels of 304 or 316 stainless steel; carbon steel is also adequate. Material should be stored between 27 - 43°C. An internal hairpin coil of 304, 316 stainless or carbon steel with low pressure steam (under 50 psig) should be used if heating is required. Mild agitation is required if the tank is heated. Heating may not be required for inside storage if the tank is turned over frequently. Stainless steel is preferred for pumps, pipes and transfer lines; however, carbon steel is adequate.