Isotrideceth-12 is the INCI name for a surfactant whose structure is based on isotridecyl alcohol (iso-C13). It is a non-ionic surfactant from the group of ethoxylated fatty acids featuring a broad range of diversified applications in the industry. The compounds, that are also called alkyl polyethers, are obtained through the reaction of synthesis of different amounts of ethylene oxide with higher fatty alcohols of petrochemical or oleochemical origin. On account of the group it belongs to, the CAS number identifying Isotrideceth-12 is 69011-36-5.
Under normal conditions, under atmospheric pressure and at room temperature, Isotrideceth-12 is a clouded liquid with a white colour or a sort of paste that begins to solidify already at approx> 20oC. The cloudiness of liquid Isotrideceth-12 disappears as it is gently heated and mixed; once the temperature of 79-85oC is exceeded, cloudiness appears again. The mechanism of water solubility of non-ionic surfactants is such that hydrogen bonds are generated between water molecules and oxygen in the oxyalkylene group. Therefore, the more ether groups in a structure, the stronger its hydrophilic nature and better water solubility. Another dependence is such that solubility decreases as the temperature rises. Here comes the cloud point or a cloud temperature. It is the cloud point of a substance which shows that it breaks into two phases; for Isotrideceth-12, the temperature is high as compared to ethoxylated fatty alcohols.
Due to its emulsifying, detergency and dispersion properties, Isotrideceth-12 is used in many cleaning formulations for both household and industrial use. Dedicated preparations are used for removing impurities from hard surfaces and equally often for degreasing. As the agent works in strong alkaline and acid reactions, it can be an ingredient of pre-cleaners and cleaners for removing graffiti and heavy soiling. It also works well in active alkaline foams used for example in car care and in strong acidic detergents for removing bathroom scale. Isotrideceth-12 meets safety standards for textile products and is also used in the textile industry due to its high wettability and dispersing properties. As an emulsifier, it is a perfect solution for removing oil soiling that appears at early stages of fabric treatments. Due to its high wettability, it enhances the capillarity of bleaching or dyeing compositions for cotton products. It makes formulations penetrate fibres in the fabric in a uniform and faster manner. Isotrideceth-12 is compatible with derivatives of silicone compounds that are used in the production of cosmetics. Thus it is an effective ingredient of body and hair washing gels, anti-dandruff and hair-loss preparations and in hair dyes and tints. Isotrideceth-12 can be used in the emulsion polymerisation process due to its emulsifying properties. In such a system, it also improves the properties of a dispersion, making it more resistant to electrolytes, hard water and other solvents. Hence it is used in the synthesis of different polymers, including VAE and styrene-acrylic dispersions. On the basis of lists published by organisations that approve substances for use in the food industry, Isotrideceth-12 may be used as an indirect food additive. It is used in the process of production of materials for food packaging/contact.
The activity of the substance does not deteriorate in oxidising or reducing media. It is not affected by hard water; and due to its non-ionic nature, it may be used in formulations with both similar and anionic/cationic surfactants. Isotrideceth-12 is a fully biodegradable agent in accordance with the biodegradation criteria established under Regulation (CE) No. 648/2004 on detergents.
