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Abstract
C16/C18 Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate (50 EO) is a nonionic surfactant widely used in various industries, including detergents, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles.
With high ethoxylation (50 EO units), it exhibits exceptional emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties.
This review explores the physicochemical, toxicological, environmental, and regulatory dimensions of the compound.
A thorough understanding of its applications and safety profile is vital for sustainable industrial development.
Introduction
Fatty alcohol ethoxylates are among the most utilized nonionic surfactants due to their low toxicity, high biodegradability, and versatile surface activity.
Specifically, C16/C18 fatty alcohol ethoxylates with 50 ethylene oxide units are highly hydrophilic and effective in applications requiring strong emulsification and solubilization, especially in high-performance formulations.
Nomenclature and Identification
Chemical Name: C16/C18 Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate (50 EO)
CAS Number: 68213-23-0
Synonyms:
Cetyl/stearyl alcohol ethoxylate,Ethoxylated C16-18 fatty alcohol (50 EO),Polyoxyethylene (50) cetyl-stearyl ether,PEG-50 cetyl/stearyl ether,Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated (50 mol EO)
Chemical Structure and Properties
General Formula: C16H33(OCH2CH2)50OH / C18H37(OCH2CH2)50OH
Molecular Weight: Approx. 2800–3100 g/mol
Functional Groups: Primary alcohol, polyether chain
Nature: Nonionic
HLB (Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance): Typically above 18 (very hydrophilic)
Synthesis and Manufacturing
Raw Materials
Fatty Alcohols: Cetyl (C16H33OH) and Stearyl (C18H37OH)
Ethylene Oxide (EO): CH2CH2O
Reaction Process
Step 1: Alkaline catalyzed ethoxylation under high pressure and temperature (~150–180°C).
Step 2: Addition of 50 EO units per alcohol molecule.
Catalysts: KOH, NaOH, or metal oxides (e.g., alumina)
Control: EO/Alcohol ratio, temperature, reaction time
Analytical Characterization
NMR Spectroscopy: To confirm ethoxylation extent
Mass Spectrometry: For molecular weight distribution
HPLC & GPC: For EO chain length distribution
FTIR: Identification of hydroxyl and ether functional groups
Titration (OH number): To determine degree of polymerization
Physicochemical Properties
Property Value
Physical state Waxy solid / paste (at room temp)
Melting point 45–60°C
Water solubility Completely soluble
pH (1% solution) 6.0–8.0
Cloud point (1% in water) >90°C
Surface tension (0.1%) ~30–35 mN/m
Critical micelle concentration ~0.01–0.05%
Solubility and Surface Activity
C16/C18 Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate (50 EO) is highly soluble in water and organic solvents like alcohols. Due to its long polyoxyethylene chain, it effectively reduces surface and interfacial tension, enabling excellent emulsification of oils and hydrophobic substances.
Industrial and Commercial Applications
Detergents: High-performance cleaning agents
Textile Auxiliaries: Scouring, wetting, and dye dispersal
Cosmetics: Emulsifiers in creams and lotions
Paints and Coatings: Dispersants and flow agents
Agrochemicals: Emulsifiers in pesticide formulations
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT C16/C18 FATTY ALCOHOL ETHOXYLATE 50 EO
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off conSAFETYtaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
