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EMPILAN KBE 2 is a versatile nonionic surfactant belonging to the family of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, produced by reacting natural fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide to achieve controlled hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is widely used in personal care, household cleaning, textile auxiliaries, agrochemical formulations, and industrial systems due to its emulsifying strength, cleaning efficiency, mildness, and broad surfactant compatibility.
Derived from renewable raw materials and readily biodegradable, EMPILAN KBE 2 combines performance with environmental acceptability, making it suitable for sustainable consumer and industrial applications.
CAS Number: 68439-50-9
EC Number: 500-213-3
Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₅O(CH₂CH₂O)₂H
Molecular Weight: ~250–300 g/mol
Synonyms: Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated, Ethoxylated alcohols, C12-14, AE 1214-3, Neonol P 1214-3, Syntanol ALM 8, 24L50, 24L50N, Ethoxylated C12-14 alcs., Dehydol LS 7, Alfonic 1214-70L, Alfonic 1412-70L, Macol LA 23, Tergitol 24L50, Alfonic 1412-60, Alfonic 1214-70, Emulgator LN, Akyporox RLM 55, Akyporox RLM 100, Dehydol LS 2, Leocol SCG, Berol 186, Berol 057, C12-14 fatty alcs., ethoxylated, Fatty alcs., C12-14, ethoxylated, Elfapur LM 75, Dobanox 23J, Tergitol 24L60N, Ethonic 1214-3, Tergitol 24L75N, Syntanol ALM 10, C12-14 alcs., ethoxylated, Soprophor LA 40, Tergitol 24L98N, Tergitol 24L92, Dehydol LS 3, Marlipal 24/20, Dehydol LS 4, Ethoxylated C12-14 fatty alcs., ALOE 85, Novel II 1412-56, Rewopal LA 4, Surfonic L 24-7, LA 6, LA 6 (surfactant), Genapol 24L92, Surfonic L 24-3, Surfonic L 24-2, Surfonic L 24-9, Surfonic L 24-12, Berol 121, Dehydol LS 8, Leox CC 70, Leox CC 90, Shell 1265-8, Alfol 1214GC, Empilan KB 10, Mergital LM 3, Marlipal 24/40, Marlipal 24/50, Marlipal 24/60, Marlipal 24/70, Marlipal 24/80, Neonol SP 2422, Neonol SPO 2410, Neonol APO 2403, Imbentin AG 124LS050, Imbentin AG 124S091, Imbentin AG 124S210, Dehydol LS 6, Alfonic 1214-80, Alfonic 1214-40, Alfonic 1214-60, Dehydol L 53, Alfonic 1412-40, Marlipal 24/90, Empilan KBE 21, Lutensol A 4, Emulgen 130, Imbentin AG 124/75, HOE-S 4004, Prevocell F 1214/7, Emulgen 102KG, Noigen ET 115, Atpol 4768, Synperonic L 7, Epal 1214-7, Genapol LA 070, Synperonic L 11, Softanol SC 90, Disponil A 1080, Marlipal 24/100, Alfonic 1412-80, R 2662, ALM 10, Genapol 050, Alfonic 1412-7, Dehymuls LS 9.5, Dehydol LS 5, Marlipal 24/99, Empilan KCL 7, Softanol SC 200, Softanol SC 70, Softanol SC 150, Prevocell F 1214/5N, Empilan KB 2, Empilan KB 6, Empilan KB 12, Empilan KBE 2, Empilan KBE 3, Genapol LA 110, Lutensol A 7, Loradac 7/24, Rhodasurf LA 30, Dehydol PLS 6, Lorodac 7-24, NRE 5, Kalcohl 2475, Softanol 33, Lutensol A 7N, Lorodac, Lorodac 2-24, Lorodac 1-24, LA 070, LA 040, Genapol LA 250, Genapor LA 030, Genapol LA 040, Genapol LA 030, Genapol LA 090, LA 090, Findet 1214N16, Findet 1214N23, Dehydol LS 2DEO-N, Syntanol ES 3, Pegnol ST 12, Pannox 715, Marlipal 24/30, Marlipal 24/79, Lutensol A 3N, RHA 153LMAO90, Disponil AFX 1080, Disponil AFX 2075, Disponil AFX 3070, Disponil AFX 4060, Disponil AFX 1575, Disponil AFX 4030, NRE 9, Surfonic 25-5, KB 15, KB 5, KB 5 (polyether), Novel II 1412-11, Genapol 26L98N, Kosintol 242, Kosintol 247, Kosintol 248, LMAO 90, Marlipal 24/19, Dehydol LS 3Deo, Ecolat KB 5, Ecolat KB 15, Surfonic L 24-22, Ecolat KB 9, Emulgen 101, Surfonic 24-12, Emulgen 106KH, Pegnol ST 5, Sintanol ALM 10, Sabopal LM 7, Softanol SC 30, Dehydol LS 2H, Dehydol 2407, Pegnol ST 9, Pegnol ST 3, Dehydol LS 3DEO-N, LMAO, LMAL, AFX 3070, AE 2, AE 2 (polyether), Leox CC 50, Dehydol LS 4N, NLME 3-90, Leox CC 80H90, Pareth 10, Leox CL 60, Dehydol PLS 8, ET 115, Leox CL 50, Leox CL 70, Leox CL 80-90, C12-14 Pareth 9, Konion 275-90, RhodaSurf 6NAT, Leox CL 80, Alfol 12/14S, LES 270, Syntanol ALM 2, Sintanol ES 3, Syntanol ALM 7, ALM 2, ALM 7, Ethoxylated C12-14 fatty alcohols, Ethoxylated C12-14 alcohols, Ablunol AEO 20, Dehydol LS 5TH, Ecolat 24-7, Sabicol L 3, Sabicol L 7, Sabicol L 9, LMAF 90, Rheox CL 70, Lorodac 7-26, Genapol LA 080, AFX 2075, AFX 4030, Ecolat 24-9, Ecolat 24-5, Ecolat 24-15/85, Ecolat 24-15, Marlipal 24/120, Alcohols, C12-C14-ethoxylated, Newcol NT 3, Hydropalat WE 3130, Emulgen 120A, ALM-2 (surfactant), ALM-7 (surfactant), Marlipal 24/7
EMPILAN KBE 2 is a nonionic surfactant based on fatty alcohol ethoxylates, typically derived from natural vegetable oils and reacted with ethylene oxide to achieve controlled hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values.
EMPILAN KBE 2 generally appears as a clear to slightly hazy liquid or paste, depending on the degree of ethoxylation, and is soluble in water and polar solvents.
EMPILAN KBE 2 functions primarily as an emulsifier, detergent, and wetting agent, offering good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants.
Due to its mildness and versatility, EMPILAN KBE 2 is widely used in household cleaning products, textile auxiliaries, agrochemical formulations, and personal care items such as shampoos, creams, and lotions.
EMPILAN KBE 2's low foaming tendency in certain formulations also makes it suitable for industrial cleaning and metalworking fluids.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is valued for its balance of cleaning power, emulsification efficiency, and stability across a wide pH and temperature range.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is used in shower and bath products, creams and lotions, shampoo and liquid soaps.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is capable of enhancing the foam, in terms of boosting the volume and stabilising EMPILAN KBE 2 against the detrimental affects of hard water and soap.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is a versatile nonionic surfactant belonging to the family of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, produced by reacting natural fatty alcohols (typically derived from vegetable oils or coconut-based feedstocks) with a controlled number of ethylene oxide units.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is usually supplied as a clear to slightly hazy liquid or waxy paste depending on temperature and the degree of ethoxylation.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is fully soluble in water and polar solvents, forming stable solutions and emulsions with good clarity.
EMPILAN KBE 2's chemical structure imparts an intermediate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), which makes it suitable for a wide variety of emulsification, solubilization, wetting, and cleaning applications.
In industrial and household formulations, EMPILAN KBE 2 is prized for its ability to lower surface tension, enhance detergency, and stabilize complex emulsions.
EMPILAN KBE 2 can be used as a primary or co-surfactant in detergents, all-purpose cleaners, degreasers, and textile auxiliaries, where it contributes excellent wetting power and soil removal efficiency.
In personal care products, EMPILAN KBE 2 provides gentle cleansing and foaming support in shampoos, liquid soaps, creams, and lotions, while also improving the sensory feel and spreadability of emulsions.
Because of its nonionic character, EMPILAN KBE 2 demonstrates broad compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, allowing formulators to combine it flexibly with other ingredients to achieve specific performance targets.
A key advantage of EMPILAN KBE 2 is its chemical and thermal stability across a wide pH range, which makes it suitable for both acidic and alkaline cleaning systems, as well as for high-performance formulations in agrochemicals, metalworking fluids, and industrial cleaners.
EMPILAN KBE 2 also exhibits relatively low foaming compared to other ethoxylates, making it especially valuable in low-foam or controlled-foam applications such as machine cleaning, circulation cleaners, and industrial processing.
Additionally, EMPILAN KBE 2 is derived from renewable raw materials, biodegradable under typical environmental conditions, and generally considered safe with low toxicity, which supports its acceptance in both consumer and industrial markets.
Overall, EMPILAN KBE 2 combines emulsifying strength, cleaning efficiency, mildness, and environmental acceptability, making it a multipurpose surfactant for diverse formulations ranging from cosmetics and household care to textiles, agrochemicals, and heavy-duty industrial systems.
Market Overview of EMPILAN KBE 2:
The global market for nonionic surfactants such as EMPILAN KBE 2 is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising demand in personal care, household cleaning, agrochemicals, and textile industries.
Valued at over USD 40 billion in 2024, the nonionic surfactant segment is projected to surpass USD 65 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of around 5–6%.
EMPILAN KBE 2, an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, benefits from key trends such as the shift toward biodegradable, low-toxicity, and environmentally friendly surfactants, making it particularly attractive for sustainable formulations.
EMPILAN KBE 2's compatibility with a wide range of surfactants and ingredients allows formulators to use it flexibly in shampoos, lotions, detergents, emulsions, and industrial cleaners.
Growth in emerging economies, increasing hygiene awareness, and consumer preference for “clean label” and eco-friendly products are accelerating demand.
At the same time, market challenges include fluctuating raw material prices for ethylene oxide and natural fatty alcohols, as well as stricter environmental and safety regulations in Europe and North America.
Despite these hurdles, EMPILAN KBE 2 holds a strong position in the market as a versatile, efficient, and sustainable surfactant, well-aligned with global trends in green chemistry and consumer safety.
Uses of EMPILAN KBE 2:
EMPILAN KBE 2 is a nonionic surfactant widely used across personal care, household, industrial, and agricultural applications due to its emulsifying, solubilizing, and wetting properties.
In personal care formulations, EMPILAN KBE 2 serves as an emulsifier and solubilizer in shampoos, shower gels, liquid soaps, creams, and lotions, where it helps disperse fragrances, oils, and other actives uniformly while improving the texture and skin feel of the product.
In the household and institutional cleaning sector, EMPILAN KBE 2 enhances detergency, provides excellent wetting of hard surfaces, and helps stabilize multi-phase systems, making it suitable for dishwashing liquids, surface cleaners, degreasers, and laundry products.
Within industrial processes, EMPILAN KBE 2 is used in metalworking fluids, textile auxiliaries, paints, and coatings, where it promotes uniform dispersion of pigments, oils, and other additives.
In agrochemicals, EMPILAN KBE 2 acts as a wetting and dispersing agent in pesticide and herbicide formulations, ensuring even spreading and penetration on plant surfaces.
Additionally, EMPILAN KBE 2’s low-foaming profile makes it suitable for circulation cleaning systems and other controlled-foam environments.
Overall, its versatility, mildness, and compatibility with other surfactants allow EMPILAN KBE 2 to be incorporated into a broad range of formulations requiring reliable emulsification, solubilization, and cleaning performance.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is useful to solubilize a wide range of perfumes and active ingredients.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is used in shower and bath products, creams and lotions, shampoo and liquid soaps.
EMPILAN KBE 2 is a highly versatile nonionic surfactant with a wide range of applications across consumer products, industrial formulations, and specialty chemical sectors.
In personal care and cosmetics, EMPILAN KBE 2 is commonly used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and dispersant in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, lotions, and creams.
EMPILAN KBE 2's ability to dissolve and stabilize fragrances, essential oils, and oil-soluble active ingredients ensures product clarity and uniformity, while also contributing to a smooth skin feel and mild cleansing action.
Because of EMPILAN KBE 2's nonionic nature, EMPILAN KBE 2 is compatible with cationic conditioners and amphoteric surfactants, which makes it especially valuable in hair care systems designed for gentle yet effective cleansing and conditioning.
In the household cleaning sector, EMPILAN KBE 2 is employed in dishwashing liquids, multipurpose surface cleaners, laundry detergents, and glass cleaners, where it enhances detergency, lowers surface tension, and improves wetting of hard surfaces.
EMPILAN KBE 2 helps stabilize complex cleaning systems by keeping oily soils dispersed in aqueous solutions, thereby improving the overall cleaning performance.
EMPILAN KBE 2's relatively low foaming characteristics are also beneficial for machine dishwashing and circulation cleaning processes, where excessive foam can reduce efficiency.
The surfactant also plays a crucial role in industrial and technical applications.
In metalworking fluids, EMPILAN KBE 2 assists in emulsifying oils and additives, ensuring proper lubrication and heat transfer during machining operations.
In the textile industry, EMPILAN KBE 2 is used as a wetting agent and detergent in scouring, dyeing, and finishing processes, promoting even dye distribution and enhancing fiber wettability.
In paints, coatings, and polymer emulsions, EMPILAN KBE 2 functions as an emulsifier and dispersant that stabilizes pigment particles, improves flow properties, and ensures uniform film formation.
In the agrochemical sector, EMPILAN KBE 2 is incorporated into pesticide and herbicide formulations as a wetting and dispersing agent.
By lowering the surface tension of spray solutions, EMPILAN KBE 2 improves the spreading and penetration of active substances on plant surfaces, which enhances bioavailability and effectiveness.
EMPILAN KBE 2's stability over a wide pH range makes it suitable for diverse agricultural environments.
Finally, EMPILAN KBE 2 finds utility in specialty applications such as oilfield chemicals, where it aids in emulsification and demulsification processes, and in cleaning systems for food processing equipment, where its low toxicity and biodegradability are favorable attributes.
Its adaptability, mild profile, and strong emulsifying capacity make EMPILAN KBE 2 an essential multifunctional surfactant across industries where consistent solubilization, dispersion, and cleaning performance are required.
Features of EMPILAN KBE 2:
EMPILAN KBE 2 is characterized by a unique combination of physical, chemical, and functional features that make it a highly versatile surfactant in diverse applications.
One of EMPILAN KBE 2's primary features is its nonionic character, which provides broad compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants.
This allows formulators to incorporate EMPILAN KBE 2 easily into complex formulations without stability issues.
EMPILAN KBE 2 exhibits excellent solubility in water and polar solvents, forming stable emulsions and clear solutions, which makes it suitable for both aqueous and emulsion-based systems.
Another key feature is EMPILAN KBE 2's balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), enabling it to act effectively as both an emulsifier and solubilizer.
EMPILAN KBE 2 can disperse oils, fragrances, and other hydrophobic components in water-based formulations, contributing to product clarity and stability.
EMPILAN KBE 2's low-to-moderate foaming profile is particularly advantageous in systems where foam control is important, such as machine cleaning, circulation cleaning, and certain industrial applications.
At the same time, in personal care and household cleaning products, EMPILAN KBE 2 provides supportive foam stabilization without excessive buildup.
EMPILAN KBE 2 also demonstrates chemical and thermal stability over a wide pH range, which ensures reliable performance in acidic, neutral, and alkaline systems.
This makes EMPILAN KBE 2 suitable for use in detergents, agrochemicals, textile processing, and industrial cleaners.
EMPILAN KBE 2's mildness on skin and hair is another distinguishing feature, making it appropriate for shampoos, liquid soaps, lotions, and other cosmetic products where consumer safety and comfort are essential.
Environmentally, EMPILAN KBE 2 is based on renewable raw materials such as natural fatty alcohols and is readily biodegradable, aligning with global trends toward sustainable and eco-friendly formulations.
EMPILAN KBE 2 also has low aquatic toxicity compared to many older surfactants, which supports its acceptance in sensitive applications.
Overall, the features of EMPILAN KBE 2—compatibility, solubility, emulsifying strength, mildness, controlled foaming, stability, and biodegradability—make it a highly adaptable surfactant that meets the performance, safety, and environmental requirements of both consumer and industrial markets.
Wetting Ability:
The wetting ability was determined by the method ISO 8022 “Determination of wetting power by immersion”, commonly referred to as the Draves wetting test.
The results are expressed as the time elapsed, in seconds, measured at 25°C, with shorter wetting times indicating more efficient wetting agents.
Foam Characteristics:
The foam characteristics were determined by the ASTM standard D1173, Ross & Miles foam test method.
The tests were carried out at a concentration of 1g/L in hard water and readings are expressed as volume of foam in mL, in seconds, at 25°C, at 0 seconds, then again after 60 and 300 seconds.
Production of EMPILAN KBE 2:
EMPILAN KBE 2 is produced through the ethoxylation of fatty alcohols, a process in which naturally derived long-chain fatty alcohols (commonly obtained from renewable vegetable oils such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil) are reacted with ethylene oxide (EO) under controlled conditions.
The fatty alcohol feedstocks, which typically consist of lauryl (C₁₂) or mixed C₁₂–C₁₄ alcohol chains, are first purified to remove impurities that could interfere with the reaction.
Ethoxylation is then carried out in the presence of an alkaline catalyst (commonly sodium or potassium hydroxide, or specialized metal-based catalysts) within a high-pressure reactor.
By carefully controlling the temperature, pressure, and the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to fatty alcohol, manufacturers determine the average number of ethoxy groups added, which in the case of EMPILAN KBE 2 is around two EO units per fatty alcohol molecule.
After the ethoxylation step, the crude product is subjected to post-treatment and purification, including neutralization of residual catalysts, removal of unreacted ethylene oxide (a toxic and volatile compound), and stripping of volatile by-products.
Depending on the final application, additional steps such as bleaching or deodorization may be performed to improve product color and odor stability.
The result is a clear to slightly hazy liquid surfactant with consistent hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) properties.
The production process is designed to ensure batch-to-batch uniformity and compliance with regulatory standards for cosmetic and industrial ingredients.
Leading producers, such as Innospec (the supplier of EMPILAN surfactants), operate under good manufacturing practices (GMP) and environmental regulations, ensuring safety, quality, and sustainability.
Additionally, since EMPILAN KBE 2 is based on renewable fatty alcohols, its production aligns with sustainability and green chemistry principles, reducing dependence on petrochemical feedstocks and minimizing environmental impact.
History of EMPILAN KBE 2:
The history of EMPILAN KBE 2 is closely tied to the development of ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactants in the mid-20th century, when advances in petrochemical processing and catalytic chemistry made large-scale ethoxylation possible.
Ethoxylated alcohols were first introduced as alternatives to traditional soaps and early anionic surfactants, offering superior stability in hard water and across a wider pH range.
By the 1950s and 1960s, these nonionic surfactants became increasingly important in household detergents and industrial formulations due to their mildness, versatility, and compatibility with other surfactant classes.
The “EMPILAN” trade name belongs to Innospec, a global specialty chemicals company that has been developing surfactant technologies for personal care, home care, agrochemical, and industrial markets for decades.
EMPILAN KBE 2 represents one of their ethoxylated fatty alcohol derivatives, designed specifically to provide controlled emulsification and solubilization properties while remaining biodegradable and safe for consumer applications.
EMPILAN KBE 2's name reflects its molecular structure: a fatty alcohol base (commonly lauryl or C₁₂–C₁₄ alcohols) reacted with two ethylene oxide (EO) units, yielding a product with an intermediate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB).
Over time, the use of EMPILAN KBE 2 expanded beyond detergents and cleaners into personal care (shampoos, lotions, liquid soaps), textile auxiliaries, metalworking fluids, and agrochemicals, reflecting growing demand for multipurpose surfactants.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, increasing emphasis on biodegradability and renewable raw materials reinforced the importance of ethoxylated fatty alcohols like EMPILAN KBE 2, since they can be derived from natural vegetable oils such as coconut or palm kernel oil.
Today, EMPILAN KBE 2 holds a well-established place in the global surfactants market, valued for its mildness, versatility, and environmental profile.
EMPILAN KBE 2's history illustrates the broader shift from soap-based surfactants to advanced, tailor-made nonionic surfactants that meet modern requirements for performance, safety, and sustainability.
Handling and Storage of EMPILAN KBE 2:
Handle EMPILAN KBE 2 in well-ventilated areas to avoid accumulation of vapors or mists.
Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing; prolonged exposure may cause mild irritation.
Do not ingest and avoid inhalation of aerosols.
Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption and product degradation.
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at temperatures between 5–40 °C, away from strong oxidizing agents.
Protect from freezing and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which may affect viscosity and clarity.
Stainless steel, polyethylene, or epoxy-lined containers are recommended for bulk storage.
Stability and Reactivity of EMPILAN KBE 2:
EMPILAN KBE 2 is stable under normal ambient conditions.
Avoid strong oxidizing agents (e.g., peroxides, chromates) which may cause hazardous reactions.
Excessive heating above 150 °C may lead to thermal decomposition, producing carbon oxides (CO, CO₂) and possible aldehydes.
Not prone to hazardous polymerization.
Hygroscopic in nature; prolonged exposure to air/moisture may alter product consistency.
First Aid Measures of EMPILAN KBE 2:
Eye Contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
If irritation occurs, obtain medical advice.
Inhalation:
Move the person to fresh air.
Keep warm and at rest.
If breathing difficulties occur, seek medical assistance.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Give water to dilute and seek medical attention immediately.
Firefighting Measures of EMPILAN KBE 2:
EMPILAN KBE 2 is not highly flammable, but may burn if involved in a fire.
Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂.
Fire may produce hazardous decomposition products such as carbon oxides and smoke.
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray to prevent pressure build-up.
Accidental Release Measures of EMPILAN KBE 2:
Small spills:
Absorb with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite) and place in suitable container for disposal.
Large spills:
Contain the spill to prevent entry into drains or waterways.
Collect mechanically or pump into labeled containers for recovery or disposal.
Wash spill area with plenty of water after material pick-up, avoiding discharge into the environment.
Personnel involved should wear appropriate protective equipment.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of EMPILAN KBE 2:
Engineering Controls:
Use in well-ventilated areas; local exhaust recommended if aerosol or vapor may form.
Respiratory Protection:
Not normally required under typical use; if mist levels exceed occupational exposure limits, use an approved organic vapor/particulate respirator.
Eye Protection:
Safety goggles or face shield recommended to prevent eye contact.
Skin Protection:
Wear protective gloves (e.g., nitrile, neoprene) and protective clothing to minimize contact.
Hygiene Measures:
Wash hands, face, and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using the product.
Identifiers of EMPILAN KBE 2:
INCI Name: Laureth-2
CAS No.: 68439-50-9
EC No.: 500-213-3
Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant (C₁₂–C₁₄ fatty alcohol + 2 EO)
Molecular Formula (approx.): C₁₂H₂₅O(CH₂CH₂O)₂H
Average M.W.: ~250–300 g/mol
Synonyms: Polyoxyethylene (2) lauryl ether, Fatty alcohol ethoxylate (2 EO)
Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid (semi-solid at low temperature)
Trade Name: EMPILAN® KBE 2 (Innospec)
CAS: 68439-50-9
EC number: 500-213-3
Min. purity / concentration: 100%
Color: Colorless
Appearance: Liquid
Properties of EMPILAN KBE 2:
Density: 0.89[at 20℃]
PSA: 103.30000
LogP: 4.04900
Toxicology: No toxicological data available.
Personal protection: Treat as potentially harmful.
Molecular Formula: C14H30O
Boiling Point: 267℃[at 101 325 Pa]
Trade Name: EMPILAN® KBE 2
INCI Name: Laureth-2
CAS Number: 68439-50-9 (C₁₂–C₁₄ alcohol ethoxylates)
EC Number: 500-213-3
Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant (ethoxylated fatty alcohol)
Molecular Formula (approx.): C₁₂H₂₅O(CH₂CH₂O)₂H
Average Molecular Weight: ~250–300 g/mol
Structure: Linear fatty alcohol chain with two ethoxy units
Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid; may become waxy/semi-solid at low temperatures
Odor: Mild, fatty/alcohol-like
Solubility: Soluble in water and polar solvents; good emulsifier for oils and fragrances
Density: ~0.95–1.00 g/cm³ (25 °C)
Viscosity: Low to moderate (temperature-dependent)
Cloud Point: Typically 40–60 °C (varies with concentration)
Flash Point: >150 °C (closed cup, typical for fatty alcohol ethoxylates)
pH (1% solution): ~6–8 (near neutral)
Stability: Stable under normal handling; wide pH and temperature range
