LUTENSOL AO 3

Lutensol AO 3 is alcohol ethoxylate-based, noionic surfactant.
Lutensol AO 3 is designed to provide excellent wetting, emulsifying, and detergency properties in a wide range of industrial and household formulations.
Lutensol AO 3 is used in industrial and household cleaning formulations as a wetting and emulsifying agent to enhance soil removal and grease dispersion.

CAS Number: 68439-50-9
EC Number: 500-213-3

Synonyms: C12-15 Alcohol Ethoxylate (3 EO), Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylate 3EO, Alcohols, C12–C15, Ethoxylated, C12-14 Pareth-3, C12-13 Pareth-3, Laureth-3 (approximate equivalent), AE(3) Nonionic Surfactant, Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol (3 EO), C12-15 Alcohol + 3EO, Primary Alcohol Ethoxylate 3EO, Low EO Alcohol Ethoxylate, Nonionic Wetting Agent AE3, Fatty Alcohol Polyethylene Glycol Ether (3 EO), C12-15 Alkyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether, Alcohol Ethoxylate Low EO Grade

Lutensol AO 3 is a nonionic surfactant based on a fatty alcohol ethoxylate with a low degree of ethoxylation, typically around three ethylene oxide units.
Lutensol AO 3 is designed to provide excellent wetting, emulsifying, and detergency properties in a wide range of industrial and household formulations.

Due to its relatively low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), Lutensol AO 3 is particularly effective in oil-in-water emulsions and as a wetting agent for hydrophobic surfaces.
Lutensol AO 3 demonstrates good compatibility with other surfactants and maintains stable performance across a broad pH range, making it suitable for applications in detergents, cleaners, textile processing, and agrochemical formulations.

Lutensol AO 3 is a nonionic surfactant for commercial laundry and vehicle and transportation care applications.

Lutensol AO 3 is alcohol ethoxylate-based, noionic surfactant.
Lutensol AO 3's low ethoxylation degree makes it particularly suitable for applications requiring high lubrication and wetting properties.

Lutensol AO 3 is a nonionic surfactant based on C13-C15 alcohol that consists of ca. 67% C and ca. 33% H.
Lutensol AO 3 has a cloud point of approx. 43°C and density of approx. 0.92 g/cm3.

Lutensol AO 3 is supplied in the form of a cloudy liquid and has a tendency to form a sediment.
Lutensol AO 3 is easier to process than 100% active products supplied in paste form.

Lutensol AO 3 is manufactured by causing the C13-C15 alcohol to react with ethylene oxide in stoichiometric proportions.
This ensures high-performance surfactants with low toxicity are formed.

Lutensol AO 3 is suitable for use in detergents and cleaners in industrial applications due to its ability to form clear solutions at 50°C and wetting power of approx. 300 g/l s.
Lutensol AO 3's low viscosity of approx. 60 mPa·s at 23°C and hydroxyl number of approx. 165 mg KOH/g also make it suitable for use in industrial cleaning formulations.

Applications of Lutensol AO 3:
Lutensol AO 3 is used in industrial and household cleaning formulations as a wetting and emulsifying agent to enhance soil removal and grease dispersion.
Lutensol AO 3 is applied in textile processing for scouring, wetting, and detergent formulations to improve fiber penetration and cleaning efficiency.

Lutensol AO 3 is utilized in agrochemical formulations as a wetting agent to improve spreading and adhesion of active ingredients on plant surfaces.
Lutensol AO 3 is incorporated into paints, coatings, and inks to enhance pigment wetting and dispersion stability.

Lutensol AO 3 is used in emulsion polymerization processes as an emulsifier to stabilize polymer particles.
Lutensol AO 3 is applied in metal cleaning and surface treatment formulations to remove oils and contaminants effectively.
Lutensol AO 3 is used in formulation systems requiring low to moderate foaming surfactants with strong wetting performance.

Other Applications:
Industrial degreasers
Metal surface cleaners
Emulsion-based process chemicals
Textile auxiliary chemicals
As spreading and wetting agents in agricultural chemicals
Detergent and special cleaning formulations

Advantages of Lutensol AO 3:
High oil-dissolving capacity
Low foam profile
Compatible with hard water
Wide formulation flexibility
Resistant to pH changes thanks to its nonionic character

Stability and Reactivity of Lutensol AO 3:

Chemical stability:
Lutensol AO 3 is stable under normal temperature, pressure, and storage conditions.

Reactivity:
Lutensol AO 3 shows low reactivity.
Does not undergo hazardous reactions under standard conditions.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat.
Strong UV exposure.
Prolonged contact with air at high temperatures.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Strong acids.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon oxides (CO, CO₂).
Irritating organic fumes may be released.

Handling and Storage of Lutensol AO 3:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene practices.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Avoid prolonged skin exposure.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

Storage conditions:
Protect from moisture.
Protect from excessive heat.
Protect from direct sunlight.

Packaging materials:
Store in compatible containers such as polyethylene, steel, or lined drums.

Shelf life:
Stable for extended periods under recommended storage conditions.

First Aid Measures of Lutensol AO 3:

Inhalation:
Move exposed person to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Skin contact:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.

Eye contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Seek medical advice if irritation continues.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention if necessary.

Firefighting Measures of Lutensol AO 3:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray.
Foam.
Dry chemical powder.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Specific hazards:
Combustion may release carbon oxides.
Irritating vapors may be generated.

Protective equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Wear protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Avoid inhalation of fumes.

Accidental Release Measures of Lutensol AO 3:

Personal precautions:
Avoid contact with spilled material.
Wear appropriate protective equipment.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent entry into drains, surface water, or soil.

Methods for cleaning up:
Absorb with inert material such as sand or earth.
Collect in suitable containers for disposal.

Disposal:
Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protection of Lutensol AO 3:

Engineering controls:
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Use local exhaust to minimize exposure.

Respiratory protection:
Use appropriate respirator if ventilation is insufficient.

Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves.

Eye protection:
Use safety goggles or face shield.

Skin protection:
Wear suitable protective clothing.

Hygiene measures:
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use.
Wash hands after handling.

Identifiers of Lutensol AO 3:
CAS Number: 68439-50-9
EC Number: 500-213-3
Molecular Formula: Not fixed
Molecular Weight: Variable (depending on ethoxylation degree ~3 EO)
IUPAC Name: Alcohols, C12–C15, ethoxylated
Product Name: Lutensol AO 3

HS Code: 382499
Commodity Code: 38249992
CAS Number: 157627-86-6
Product Number: 467960

Properties of Lutensol AO 3:
Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Type: Nonionic surfactant
Active Content: ~100%
pH (1% solution): Approx. 6–8
Density (20°C): ~0.95–1.00 g/cm³
Cloud Point: Low (typically <40°C, depends on concentration)
Solubility: Dispersible to soluble in water
Viscosity (20°C): Low to medium
HLB Value: Approx. 7–9