Deceth-7

Alcohols, C10-16 (even numbered), ethoxylated

Deceth-7 is one of those surfactants which, thanks to their properties, have found application not only in the detergent industry, but also in the textile industry and agricultural chemistry. Main characteristics which determine the use of this compound are resistance to acids, good degreasing properties and emulsifying and dispersing properties.

General characteristics

Deceth-7 is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols. Deceth-7 is the name of this compound in the international INCI system. The chemical name of this substance, ethoxylated C10–16 (even numbered) alcohols, is also used. Its CAS number is 68002-97-1.

Physical and chemical properties of Deceth-7:

• clear or cloudy liquid (at room temperature),
• colour on the Hazen scale: up to 50 (at a temperature of 50ᵒC),
• characteristic odour,
• molar mass: 442–500 g/mol,
• good solubility in water, low aliphatic alcohols (methanol, ethanol),
• density: approx. 1.00 g/ml (at a temperature of 25ᵒC),
• solidification point: approx. 12ᵒC,
• hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB): 13.1,
• resistance to acids and hard water.

Industrial applications of Deceth-7

As a surfactant, Deceth-7 is successfully used in washing and cleaning detergents. The substance is characterised by very good degreasing properties. Moreover, Deceth-7 is an effective emulsifier and dispersant. Those properties determine its use both in household cleaning products and in cleaning and disinfection products designed for industrial surfaces.

Its emulsifying, wetting and detergent properties are also utilised in other household chemicals. Deceth-7 is one of the components of washing powders, laundry washing liquids, as well as dishwashing liquids and hand cleansers. Its additional advantage – resistance to acids and hard water – makes products containing Deceth-7 very effective. Additionally, it can be used in the presence of oxidising and reducing agents. It is active in cold water, in acidic or neutral baths and in diluted alkalis. In combination with compounds such as alkyl sulphates or alkyl aryl sulphates, Deceth-7 exhibits a synergistic effect enhancing the washing and cleaning performance.

In the textile industry, surfactants such as Deceth-7 are used as ingredients of components utilised in fibre pre-treatment processes. Due to its very good cleaning and washing properties, it is perfect for formulations for removing oil stains (from mineral oils) that result from weaving processes. Moreover, Deceth-7 is used in bleaching of raw knitted and woven cotton fabrics.

Its very good wetting properties resulting from the chemical structure of Deceth-7 (the hydrophilic part of its molecule has a high affinity to water molecules) determine its use in the agrochemical industry. Deceth-7 is an ingredient of EC, EW, SC and SE type formulations.

Applications of Deceth-7:

• agricultural chemistry,
• textile industry,
• paints and varnishes,
• washing and cleaning agents,
• household and industrial detergents.