Dehydol LS 7 is a non-ionic surfactant based on C12–C14 linear fatty alcohol ethoxylated with approximately seven moles of ethylene oxide (7 EO) and is chemically classified as Alcohols, C12–14, ethoxylated.
Owing to its amphiphilic molecular structure, which combines a hydrophobic alkyl chain with a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene segment, Dehydol LS 7 efficiently reduces surface tension, enhances wetting, stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions, and provides strong detergency and dispersing performance.
Dehydol LS 7 is widely used in laundry detergents, hard-surface cleaners, institutional and industrial cleaning products, textile processing, agriculture formulations, paper processing, and various specialty industrial systems where stability, electrolyte tolerance, and consistent cleaning performance are required.
CAS Number: 68439-50-9
EC Number: 931-257-8
Molecular Formula: R–(OCH₂CH₂)₇–OH
Molecular Weight: 500–520 g/mol
Synonyms: Dehydol LS 7, C12–14 Alcohol Ethoxylate 7EO, Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate 7EO, Alcohols, C12–14, ethoxylated (7 EO), Non-ionic Surfactant C12–14 7EO, Laureth-7 (industrial grade), Linear Alcohol Ethoxylate 7EO, C12-14 Pareth-7, FAEO 7, AE7 Surfactant, Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol 7EO, Ethoxylated Myristyl Alcohol 7EO, Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol C12–14 (7EO), Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylate 7, Detergent Alcohol Ethoxylate 7EO, Industrial Alcohol Ethoxylate 7EO, Polyoxyethylene C12–14 Alcohol (7), Polyoxyethylene Fatty Alcohol Ether 7, Alkyl Polyoxyethylene Ether 7EO, Linear Alkyl Ethoxylate 7EO, Alcohol Ethoxylate Nonionic 7, C12–14 Alkyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether 7, Nonionic Detergent Surfactant 7EO, AE C12–14 7EO, Fatty Alcohol Polyethoxylate 7, Detergent-Grade Alcohol Ethoxylate 7, Nonionic Cleaning Surfactant 7EO, Ethoxylated Linear Alcohol 7EO, C12–14 Nonionic Surfactant 7EO, Polyether Alcohol C12–14 (7EO), Hydrophilic Alcohol Ethoxylate 7, Medium-EO Alcohol Ethoxylate, Industrial Nonionic Surfactant 7EO, C12–14 Cleaning Surfactant, Emulsifier Alcohol Ethoxylate 7EO, Wetting Agent Alcohol Ethoxylate 7, Dispersing Agent Alcohol Ethoxylate 7, Detergent Base Alcohol Ethoxylate 7, High-Performance Nonionic Surfactant 7EO, Multi-Purpose Alcohol Ethoxylate 7
Dehydol LS 7 is a non-ionic surfactant based on C12–C14 fatty alcohol ethoxylated with approximately seven moles of ethylene oxide, chemically classified as Alcohols, C12–14, ethoxylated.
Dehydol LS 7 is designed as a slightly more hydrophilic counterpart to lower-EO grades, providing enhanced water solubility while maintaining strong surface-active performance.
Dehydol LS 7 appears as a clear to slightly cloudy liquid depending on temperature and formulation conditions and exhibits a balanced hydrophilic–lipophilic character, which makes it highly effective as a detergent, wetting agent, emulsifier, and dispersing agent.
Owing to its amphiphilic molecular structure, combining a hydrophobic alkyl chain with a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene segment, Dehydol LS 7 efficiently reduces surface tension, improves soil penetration, stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions, and enhances the removal of oily and particulate contaminants.
Dehydol LS 7 is widely used in laundry detergents, hard-surface cleaners, institutional and industrial cleaning products, textile processing, agriculture formulations, paper processing, and various specialty industrial systems, where consistent cleaning performance, electrolyte tolerance, and stability over a broad pH range are required.
Dehydol LS 7's non-ionic nature ensures excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, allowing formulators to design synergistic multi-surfactant systems with optimized cleaning efficiency, controlled foaming, and high formulation stability.
Dehydol LS 7 is a non-ionic surfactant used as an emulsifier for various applications such as cleaning, laundry, cosmetics, and more.
Dehydol LS 7 is the trade name for a type of surfactant frequently used in various industrial and consumer applications.
Dehydol LS 7 is a non-ionic surfactant commonly used in cleaning products, detergents, and cosmetic formulations.
Dehydol LS 7 is known for its ability to emulsify oil and dirt, as well as improve the foaming properties of cleaning products.
Dehydol LS 7 is a non-ionic surfactant based on C12–C14 linear fatty alcohol ethoxylated with approximately seven moles of ethylene oxide (7 EO) and is chemically classified as Alcohols, C12–14, ethoxylated.
Dehydol LS 7 is designed as a more hydrophilic grade compared to lower-EO products, which gives it improved water solubility while preserving strong surface-active performance.
Dehydol LS 7 typically appears as a clear to slightly cloudy liquid depending on temperature and formulation conditions, and the cloudiness observed at lower temperatures is a normal physical behavior that disappears upon mild heating.
With its balanced hydrophilic–lipophilic structure, Dehydol LS 7 exhibits excellent detergency, wetting, emulsifying, dispersing, and solubilizing properties, making it highly effective in removing oily, greasy, and particulate soils from a wide range of surfaces.
The amphiphilic molecular structure of Dehydol LS 7, which combines a hydrophobic alkyl chain with a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene segment, enables it to efficiently reduce surface tension, enhance penetration into porous substrates, stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, and improve soil dispersion in aqueous systems.
Dehydol LS 7's non-ionic character provides outstanding compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, allowing it to be easily incorporated into complex multi-surfactant formulations.
Dehydol LS 7 also demonstrates excellent stability across a wide pH range and strong tolerance to water hardness and electrolytes, ensuring consistent performance under both household and industrial use conditions.
Dehydol LS 7 is widely used in laundry detergents, hard-surface cleaners, institutional and industrial cleaning products, textile processing auxiliaries, agricultural formulations, paper processing, and various specialty industrial systems.
In textile applications, Dehydol LS 7 functions as an effective wetting, scouring, and emulsifying agent, promoting uniform fiber treatment and efficient soil removal.
In cleaning formulations, Dehydol LS 7 contributes to rapid wetting, improved dirt suspension, controlled foaming behavior, and high formulation stability.
In industrial processing applications such as metal cleaning, paper and pulp processing, and coatings, the product improves surface coverage, dispersion of hydrophobic contaminants, and overall process efficiency.
Due to its strong performance balance, formulation flexibility, chemical stability, and broad application range, Dehydol LS 7 is considered a highly versatile non-ionic surfactant for both consumer and industrial chemical systems.
Benefits and Uses of Dehydol LS 7:
Dehydol LS 7 provides a strong combination of performance, formulation flexibility, and process reliability, making it a highly valuable non-ionic surfactant in both consumer and industrial applications.
Dehydol LS 7's balanced hydrophilic–lipophilic structure ensures excellent wetting, emulsifying, dispersing, and detergency performance, which leads to efficient removal of oily, greasy, and particulate soils from a wide variety of surfaces.
The non-ionic character of Dehydol LS 7 delivers outstanding compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, allowing formulators to design stable and synergistic multi-surfactant systems.
Dehydol LS 7 demonstrates excellent stability over a wide pH range and in hard water, maintaining consistent cleaning efficiency even in the presence of electrolytes and salts.
The product shows good temperature tolerance, controlled foaming behavior, and strong solubilization capacity, which contribute to both processing stability and reliable end-use performance.
Dehydol LS 7 also enhances surface wetting, penetration, and spreading, improving cleaning speed, textile fiber treatment uniformity, and coating or dispersion quality in industrial applications.
In addition, Dehydol LS 7 offers good storage stability and formulation robustness, supporting long shelf life and consistent product quality.
These combined benefits make Dehydol LS 7 a preferred surfactant for high-efficiency detergents, industrial cleaners, textile auxiliaries, agricultural formulations, and specialty chemical systems where performance, stability, and formulation adaptability are critical.
Cleaners and Detergents:
Dehydol LS 7 is used in household and industrial cleaning products to emulsify and remove dirt and grease.
Dehydol LS 7 improves cleaning efficiency by lowering the surface tension of water.
Cosmetics and Personal Care:
Dehydol LS 7 is used in shampoo, body wash, and skin care product formulations due to its gentle, non-irritating properties.
Dehydol LS 7 helps produce abundant and stable foam.
Textiles and Dyeing:
Dehydol LS 7 is used in the textile industry for dyeing and fabric processing, aiding in emulsification and dispersal.
Agriculture:
Dehydol LS 7 is sometimes used in pesticide and herbicide formulations to improve the penetration and efficacy of active ingredients.
Comparison with Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate and Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate:
Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate:
Fatty alcohol ethoxylate is a non-ionic surfactant made from the ethoxylation of fatty alcohols.
Dehydol LS 7 is used in a variety of applications, including industrial cleaning, textiles, and cosmetics.
Dehydol LS 7 typically has similar properties to Dehydol LS 7 in terms of emulsification and cleaning.
Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate:
Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate is a specific type of fatty alcohol ethoxylate, usually made from the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol (an alcohol with a 12-carbon chain).
Dehydol LS 7 is commonly used in cleaning products and cosmetics.
Dehydol LS 7 has effective cleaning properties and is often used in shampoos, liquid soaps, and other personal care products.
Uses:
Dehydol LS 7 is widely used as a high-performance non-ionic surfactant in a broad range of consumer and industrial applications due to its excellent wetting, emulsifying, dispersing, and detergency properties.
Dehydol LS 7 is extensively applied in laundry detergents for effective removal of oily and particulate soils and in hard-surface cleaners such as kitchen, bathroom, floor, and multipurpose cleaners.
In industrial and institutional cleaning systems, Dehydol LS 7 is used for heavy-duty degreasing, surface preparation, and equipment cleaning because of its strong solubilization capacity and stability under varying pH and water hardness conditions.
In the textile industry, Dehydol LS 7 serves as a wetting agent, scouring agent, and emulsifier during desizing, bleaching, dyeing, and finishing processes to ensure uniform fiber treatment and efficient contaminant removal.
Dehydol LS 7 is also used in agriculture formulations as an emulsifier and wetting agent in herbicides, insecticides, and liquid fertilizers to improve spreading, penetration, and active ingredient performance.
In addition, Dehydol LS 7 is utilized in paper and pulp processing to improve wetting and absorbency, in metal cleaning for effective degreasing, and in paint and coating formulations as a dispersing and wetting aid to enhance pigment distribution and surface coverage.
Surfactants:
Dehydol LS 7 is used as a raw material in the manufacture of sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES).
Detergents:
Dehydol LS 7 is used in the production of liquid and powder detergents, household cleaning agents, and industrial cleaning agents.
Cosmetics & Personal Care:
Dehydol LS 7 is used as a raw material in shampoos, body gels, and hand cleaners.
Textiles:
Dehydol LS 7 is used as a scouring agent and wetting agent in textile processing.
Agriculture:
Dehydol LS 7 is used as an emulsifier in herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizer formulations.
Paper:
Dehydol LS 7 is used as a wetting agent and to improve absorbency in paper production.
Rubber:
Dehydol LS 7 is used as a stabilizer in rubber processing and rubber formulations.
Leather:
Dehydol LS 7 is used as a degreasing agent and tanning auxiliary in leather processing.
Paint:
Dehydol LS 7 is used as a wetting agent and dispersing agent in paint and coating formulations.
Chemical Composition of Dehydol LS 7:
Dehydol LS 7 may be a trade name or a specific variant of fatty alcohol ethoxylate, depending on the manufacturer and product specifications.
Fatty alcohol ethoxylate and lauryl alcohol ethoxylate are a broader class of surfactants, of which Dehydol LS 7 may be a member.
Production of Dehydol LS 7:
Dehydol LS 7 is produced by the controlled ethoxylation of C12–C14 linear fatty alcohols with approximately seven moles of ethylene oxide (EO) under carefully regulated industrial conditions.
In this process, selected fatty alcohols of natural or petrochemical origin are reacted with ethylene oxide in the presence of an alkaline catalyst, typically sodium or potassium hydroxide, at elevated temperature and pressure.
The ethoxylation reaction proceeds in a stepwise manner, attaching EO units to the hydroxyl group of the fatty alcohol and forming a non-ionic surfactant with a defined average ethoxylation degree of about 7 EO.
After completion of the reaction, residual unreacted ethylene oxide is removed to ensure product safety and quality, and the product is subsequently neutralized, filtered, and stabilized.
The final Dehydol LS 7 grade is adjusted to meet specification limits for parameters such as hydroxyl value, water content, cloud point, viscosity, and HLB value before being transferred to storage tanks and packaged for commercial distribution.
This controlled production process ensures that Dehydol LS 7 exhibits consistent surfactant performance, high purity, reliable formulation behavior, and long-term storage stability across detergent, textile, agricultural, and industrial applications.
Stability and Reactivity of Dehydol LS 7:
Chemical Stability:
Dehydol LS 7 is chemically stable under normal ambient temperatures and recommended storage conditions and does not undergo hazardous decomposition during routine handling and storage.
Reactivity:
Dehydol LS 7 is generally non-reactive under normal industrial conditions; however, it may react with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong alkalis, particularly at elevated temperatures, which can lead to degradation of the ethoxylate chain.
Conditions to Avoid:
Avoid excessive heat, direct sunlight, open flames, prolonged exposure to air at elevated temperatures, and contact with highly reactive chemicals.
Avoid freezing conditions that may affect product homogeneity.
Incompatible Materials:
Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, concentrated mineral acids, strong bases, and reactive halogenated compounds, as these may cause decomposition or hazardous reactions.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
No hazardous decomposition products are expected under normal use; at extreme temperatures or during combustion, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating organic vapors may be released.
Handling and Storage of Dehydol LS 7:
Safe Handling:
Handle Dehydol LS 7 in well-ventilated areas using standard industrial hygiene practices.
Avoid unnecessary contact with skin and eyes.
Prevent inhalation of vapors or mists that may form at elevated temperatures.
Use closed or semi-closed transfer systems where possible.
Hygiene Measures:
Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in processing areas.
Remove contaminated clothing before entering clean spaces and launder before reuse.
Storage Requirements:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment.
Protect from excessive heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and incompatible materials.
Packaging Integrity:
Keep containers sealed when not in use.
Protect containers from physical damage and avoid excessive stacking that may cause deformation or leakage.
Shelf Stability:
The product maintains good stability for extended periods when stored under recommended conditions.
Prolonged exposure to heat, humidity, or air may gradually reduce product quality but not Dehydol LS 7's chemical identity.
First Aid Measures of Dehydol LS 7:
Inhalation:
Move the exposed person to fresh air immediately and keep at rest.
If coughing, irritation, dizziness, or breathing difficulty occurs, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing. Prolonged contact may cause mild irritation or dryness.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse eyes cautiously with clean water for several minutes while holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Seek medical attention if discomfort or redness persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
If large quantities are swallowed or gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, seek medical evaluation.
Notes for Physician:
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
No specific antidote is available.
Dehydol LS 7 has low acute systemic toxicity.
Firefighting Measures of Dehydol LS 7:
Flammability:
Dehydol LS 7 is combustible at elevated temperatures but does not readily ignite under normal ambient conditions.
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding materials, including water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media:
High-pressure water jets should be avoided, as they may spread burning material.
Hazardous Combustion Products:
During combustion, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating organic fumes may be produced.
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear to prevent inhalation of toxic combustion gases.
Specific Hazards:
Containers exposed to fire may rupture due to internal pressure buildup.
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Accidental Release Measures of Dehydol LS 7:
Personal Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with Dehydol LS 7 and ensure adequate ventilation.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent skin and eye exposure.
Prevent formation of slippery surfaces caused by spills.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent large releases into drains, surface waters, or soil.
Dehydol LS 7 may spread rapidly over surfaces due to its surfactant nature.
Cleanup Methods:
Absorb spilled material with inert absorbents such as sand, earth, vermiculite, or commercial absorbent pads.
Collect into suitable containers and clean contaminated surfaces with water and detergent.
Additional Advice:
Ensure complete removal of residues to eliminate slip hazards.
Dispose of waste in accordance with local environmental regulations.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protective Equipment of Dehydol LS 7:
Engineering Controls:
Provide adequate general and local exhaust ventilation, particularly in processes where vapors or mists may form at elevated temperatures.
Maintain workplace concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits.
Respiratory Protection:
Respiratory protection is not normally required under ambient conditions.
Use organic vapor respirators if aerosol or vapor formation occurs.
Hand Protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile, latex, or PVC to prevent prolonged skin contact.
Eye Protection:
Wear safety glasses or chemical splash goggles to protect against accidental splashing.
Skin and Body Protection:
Wear protective work clothing to minimize repeated or prolonged skin exposure.
Environmental Exposure Controls:
No special environmental protection measures are normally required; however, proper waste handling and process containment should be applied to minimize environmental release.
Identifiers of Dehydol LS 7:
Product Name: Dehydol LS 7
Chemical Name: Alcohols, C12–14, ethoxylated (7 EO)
Synonyms: C12–14 Alcohol Ethoxylate 7EO, Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate 7EO, Non-ionic Surfactant C12–14 7EO, Dehydol LS 7
CAS Number: 68439-50-9
EC Number: 931-257-8
REACH Registration Number: Available upon request
Molecular Formula: R–(OCH₂CH₂)₇–OH (R = C12–C14 alkyl chain)
Average Molecular Weight: Approximately 500–520 g/mol
Product Type: Non-ionic surfactant, alcohol ethoxylate
Properties of Dehydol LS 7:
Appearance: Clear to slightly cloudy liquid depending on temperature
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Mild, characteristic fatty alcohol odor
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Approximately 6–8 (in aqueous solution)
Melting / Freezing Point: Below 0 °C
Boiling Point: > 200 °C (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Approximately 200 °C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Very low
Flammability: Combustible at elevated temperatures
Lower Explosion Limit: Not determined
Upper Explosion Limit: Not determined
Vapor Pressure: Very low at 20 °C
Vapor Density: Heavier than air
Relative Density: Approximately 0.98–1.01 g/cm³ at 20–23 °C
Solubility in Water: Dispersible to soluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Soluble in many organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): Expected to be moderate
Auto-Ignition Temperature: > 300 °C (estimated)
Decomposition Temperature: > 200 °C
Viscosity: Approximately 200–300 mPa·s at 23 °C
Cloud Point: Approximately 35–50 °C (concentration dependent)
HLB Value: Approximately 12.0–12.5
Surface Activity: Excellent wetting, emulsifying, dispersing, and detergency
Oxidizing Properties: Not oxidizing