C9-11 Pareth 6: Properties and Applications in Industrial Formulations

# C9-11 Pareth 6: Properties and Applications in Industrial Formulations

## Introduction to C9-11 Pareth 6

C9-11 Pareth 6 is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the family of alcohol ethoxylates. This chemical compound is widely used in various industrial applications due to its excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties. The “C9-11” in its name refers to the carbon chain length of the alcohol (9 to 11 carbons), while “Pareth 6” indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units (6 moles) in the molecule.

## Chemical Properties

The molecular structure of C9-11 Pareth 6 gives it several important characteristics:

– Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): Approximately 12-13
– Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
– Solubility: Soluble in water and most organic solvents
– pH (1% solution): 5-7
– Cloud point: Around 40-50°C (varies with concentration)

## Key Advantages in Industrial Applications

C9-11 Pareth 6 offers several benefits that make it valuable in industrial formulations:

– Excellent emulsification properties for oil-water systems
– Good compatibility with other surfactants
– Low foam generation compared to higher ethoxylates
– Effective at relatively low concentrations
– Biodegradable under aerobic conditions

## Industrial Applications

### 1. Cleaning Products

C9-11 Pareth 6 is commonly used in industrial and institutional cleaning formulations:

– Hard surface cleaners
– Degreasers
– Metal cleaning formulations
– Textile processing aids

### 2. Agricultural Formulations

In agrochemical applications, it serves as:

– Emulsifier in pesticide formulations
– Wetting agent for foliar applications
– Adjuvant to improve spray coverage

### 3. Personal Care Products

While less common than in industrial applications, it finds use in:

– Cosmetic emulsions
– Hair care products
– Skin cleansers (at appropriate concentrations)

### 4. Other Industrial Uses

Additional applications include:

– Paint and coating additives
– Paper processing aids
– Leather treatment formulations
– Oilfield chemicals

## Formulation Considerations

When incorporating C9-11 Pareth 6 into industrial formulations, consider:

– Optimal concentration typically ranges from 0.5% to 5%
– Compatibility with other formulation components
– Temperature effects on performance
– pH stability range (generally stable from 3 to 10)

## Environmental and Safety Aspects

C9-11 Pareth 6 has favorable environmental characteristics:

– Readily biodegradable (OECD 301 standards)
– Low aquatic toxicity

– Not classified as hazardous under GHS

However, proper handling procedures should always be followed, including:

– Use of protective gloves and eye protection
– Adequate ventilation in work areas
– Proper storage in sealed containers

## Conclusion

C9-11 Pareth 6 remains a versatile surfactant for industrial applications, offering a balance of performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental acceptability. Its moderate HLB value makes it particularly useful for formulations requiring both oil solubility and water dispersibility. As industrial formulators continue to seek effective yet sustainable ingredients, C9-11 Pareth 6 maintains its position as a valuable component in numerous product categories.