TERGITOL 15-S-9

CAS Number: 84133-50-6

A secondary alcohol ethoxylate, nonionic surfactant used in applications such as high performance cleaners and agrochemicals. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is readily biodegradable, excellent wetting ability and non-APE based. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 can be used in oilfield drilling and production formulations.

TERGITOL 15-S-9, and Tergitol 15-S-9 Surfactants are nonionic surfactant which are ideally suited for many cleaning applications. 
The S-3 is oil soluble, and the S-9 is water soluble. 

TERGITOL 15-S-9, Surfactant is a Secondary Alcohol Ethoxylate surfactant and is a fine emulsifier and detergent which enhances the efficiency of paint thickener and assists in rinse-ability of solvent-based systems. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is beneficial when used in cleaners, prewash spotters and paints/coatings. 

Nonionic surfactant. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is used as hard surface cleaners, prewash spotters, paints, high performance cleaners & detergents, paper & textile processing, agrochemicals, oil field chemicals. 
Possesses good wetting and detergency.

TERGITOL 15-S-9 is a biodegradable, clear liquid that is ideally suited for applications requiring outstanding surface-chemical performance from a water soluble product. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is a mixture of linear secondary alcohols reacted with ethylene oxide. 

As a nonionic surfactant TERGITOL 15-S-9 is chemically stable in the presence of dilute acids, bases, and salts, and TERGITOL 15-S-9 is compatible with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is soluble in water, chlorinated solvents, and most polar organic solvents.

Solubility and Compatibility of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Soluble in water
Soluble in chlorinated solvents and most polar organic solvents

Chemically stable in the presence of dilute acids, bases and salts
Compatible with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants

Performance Data of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Physical property and performance data for a variety of nonionic surfactants are TERGITOL 15-S-9 is water soluble, has a cloud point of 60°C, and is compared to commercially available products with similar properties. 

TERGITOL 15-S-9 used in these tests are categorized as follows:
PAE — A primary alcohol ethoxylate with a 12-14 carbon chain length hydrophobe, 8.5 moles of ethylene oxide in a hydrophile, and a cloud point of 75°C. 
For certain of these tests, a primary alcohol ethoxylate with a shorter carbon chain length hydrophobe was used (PAE-S).

NPE — A nonylphenol ethoxylate with 10 moles of ethylene oxide in a hydrophile and a cloud point of 63°C.

Surface Tension Reduction:
Perhaps the most universally recognized performance characteristic of a surfactant is TERGITOL 15-S-9 ability to reduce the surface tension of water. 
Illustrates the dependence of aqueous surface tension on surfactant concentration for TERGITOL 15-S-9. 

Surface tension decreases rapidly with concentration until the critical micelle concentration (cmc) is attained at 0.0056 weight percent. 
Above the cmc, surface tension remains relatively constant at approximately 30 dynes/cm, and the average area per molecule at the air/water interface, calculated from the Gibbs Equation, is 62 square Angstroms. 
The low cmc of TERGITOL 15-S-9 and its ability to reduce the surface tension of water to a very low value are fundamental characteristics that result in highly efficient and effective performance in a wide variety of applications.

Effect of Electrolytes on Cloud Point:
Electrolyte sources, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium chloride, are sometimes utilized in end-use formulations and can affect the cloud point of nonionic surfactants.
TERGITOL 15-S-9 exhibits a cloud point depression in the presence of significant concentrations of most electrolytes. 

Since solubility is related to alkalinity, sodium hydroxide has a much greater effect on solubility than do more neutral salts such as sodium carbonate and sodium chloride. 
This “salting out” effect is generally attributed to the dehydration of the ethylene oxide chains, thereby resulting in the disruption of the hydrogen bonding forces responsible for maintaining water solubility. 

The amount of salt that can be tolerated by a nonionic surfactant is proportional to the number of sites available for hydrogen bonding along the chain, and this in turn is dependent upon the degree of ethoxylation. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is typical of detergent-range alcohol ethoxylates in its ability to tolerate strong electrolytes.

The characteristic cloud point reduction in the presence of electrolytes is sometimes utilized to increase the low-temperature surface activity of TERGITOL 15-S-9 and it is also useful when an application requires the surfactant to be above its cloud point such as in some textile scouring operations. 
Consequently TERGITOL 15-S-9 is well suited for applications requiring high surface activity at moderate temperatures in the presence of low levels of electrolytes.

Detergency Performance:
TERGITOL 15-S-9 provides excellent cleaning of hard and soft surfaces.
TERGITOL 15-S-9 meets or exceeds competitive ethoxylate surfactants in hard-surface cleaning tests. 

The outstanding formulating and handling characteristics of TERGITOL 15-S-9, combined with its excellent performance, make it a surfactant of choice for hard-surface cleaner products.
Surfactant on nonpolar oily soils. 
All of the nonionic surfactants perform well, but even among these tough competitors TERGITOL 15-S-9 exhibits excellent performance. 

Draves Wetting:
The ability of a surfactant to wet textile substrates rapidly is a key performance property in many applications. 
The Draves Wetting test is a widely regarded laboratory procedure for ranking the relative wetting efficiencies of surfactants. 

This test is a timed determination for the wetting of a cotton skein by dilute surfactant solutions, where short wetting times are indicative of excellent wetting efficiencies. 
All of these surfactants are excellent wetting agents, but

TERGITOL 15-S-9 has a clear advantage at all of the concentrations tested.
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is similarly very effective in wetting other substrates such as polyester, nylon, and polyethylene.

Ross-Miles Foaming:
In many industrial applications, excessive foaming can lead to reduced operating efficiencies and/or added expenses for foam-control agents. 
Like all nonionic surfactants, TERGITOL 15-S-9 has lower foaming tendencies than most ionic surfactants. 

However, because of the unique “T”-shaped molecular structure of TERGITOL 15-S-9, it tends to produce less stable foams than many competitive ethoxylates. 
This feature is illustrated in Figure 5, which shows initial and five-minute Ross Miles foam heights for TERGITOL 15-S-9 and the competitive ethoxylates. 

While all three surfactants generate significant foam initially, the foam produced by TERGITOL 15-S-9 dissipates faster than that produced by the competitive products. 
This trend is noted over a broad concentration range, and TERGITOL 15-S-9 is maintained up to the cloud point of the surfactant.

Dissolution Rate:
In formulating a product containing a nonionic surfactant, the rate of dissolution is often an important factor affecting the final cost of the formulation. 
A slower dissolution rate not only reduces production efficiency, but can also lead to increased raw material costs resulting from the need to use hydrotropes and coupling agents.

TERGITOL 15-S-9, because of its unique “T”-shaped molecular structure, undergoes rapid dissolution in water, the rate of issolution is compared for TERGITOL 15-S-9 and the competitive ethoxylates in this laboratory screening procedure, 50 mL of distilled water was placed in a flat-bottomed glass tube, and the system was agitated at 800+/–25 rpm with a 1.5x0.5 cm stirring bar. 
With a 1-cc syringe equipped with a 4-in, 16-gauge blunt-tip needle, 0.2 mL of surfactant was injected below the surface of the liquid.

Time zero was taken at the time of injection, and the solution time was recorded when the surfactant was totally dissolved. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 dissolves much faster than the PAE in this laboratory screening test, and this observation is generally upheld in practical applications. 
The differences in dissolution rates are expected to be even more pronounced in cold water and/or in highly concentrated systems, making TERGITOL 15-S-9 the preferred surfactant in numerous applications.

Aqueous Viscosity:
When formulating products with high levels of nonionic surfactant, hydrotropes must often be added to reduce viscosity and/or prevent gelling. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 builds viscosity at a much slower rate than the competitive ethoxylates. 

In addition, TERGITOL 15-S-9 forms gels over a much more narrow concentration range than most nonionic surfactants. 
Thus, TERGITOL 15-S-9 can often be formulated into concentrated products with a minimal amount of hydrotrope, thereby reducing the final cost of the formulation.

Benefits of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
The unique “T”-shaped molecular structure of TERGITOL 15-S-9, combined with the very low levels of unethoxylated secondary alcohols and low-mole adducts present, imparts highly desirable end-use features, including:
Excellent detergency performance
Outstanding wetting properties
Excellent rinseability
Low foam stabilities
Versatile solubility characteristics
Low pour point
Low neat and aqueous viscosities
Narrow aqueous gel range
Rapid dissolution rates
Low odor

EU Ecolabel
Superior detergency
Rapid dissolution & good rinseability
Low odor
Narrow gel range
Excellent formulation & handling properties
Readily biodegradable (OECD 301E) 

Uses of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Metalworking Fluids
Desmear and Copper Deposition
Chemical Mechanical Planarization Slurry
Hand Dishwashing
Institutional Warewash
Institutional Fabric Care
Liquid Laundry Detergents
Food, Feed, Dairy and Beverage
Metal Cleaning
Bathroom Cleaners
Glass Cleaners
Institutional Floor Care
Institutional Hard Surface Care
Janitorial and Sanitation
Kitchen and Catering
Kitchen Cleaners
Multipurpose Cleaners
Toilet Cleaners
Vehicle and Transportation
Wipes
Cementing
Stimulation
Traffic - Road Marking
Boiler Systems
Process Treatments
Reverse Osmosis
Fabric Sizing
Fiber and Yarn Lubrication
Fragrance Emulsification

Applications of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is one of the most versatile oil-soluble nonionic surfactants available. 
TERGITOL 15-S-9 is a proven performer in a myriad of industries, ranging from electronics to detergents. 

Specific end-uses for TERGITOL 15-S-9 include:
Household and industrial laundry detergents
Hard-surface cleaners and degreasers
Industrial and institutional cleaners
Hydrocarbon and water-based laundry prespotters
Power car washes and care products
Paper deinking, rewetting, pulping, and deresinating
Oil-in-water emulsions
Textile wet processing
Dye assist and leveling agents for carpets and textiles
Wetting agent, coupling agent, and emulsifier for fiber lubricants
Emulsifier for polyethylene textile softeners
Dispersant, stabilizer, wetting agent for paints
Agricultural dispersant and wetting agent
Metal cleaners and acid-cleaning compounds
Low-temperature soak-tank cleaning systems
Oil field chemicals
Water treatment operations
Circuit board cleaners
Leather soaking, tanning, and dyeing operations

Paints & coatings
High performance cleaners
Agrochemicals
Pulp & paper
Textile
Oilfield 

Storage and Handling of TERGITOL 15-S-9:

Precautions for safe handling: Use with adequate ventilation. 
Wash thoroughly after using. 
Keep container closed when not in use. 
Avoid formation of aerosols.

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:  Store in cool, dry well ventilated area. 
Keep away from incompatible materials.

TERGITOL are stable, high flash point products manufactured to meet exacting standards of quality. 
They must be handled and stored properly to prevent degradation or contamination and to ensure maximum performance in your application.

Storage of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Under anhydrous conditions, store in carbon steel, baked phenolic-lined steel,mfiberglass-reinforced polyester, tinned iron, or polyethylene. 
To avoid discoloration, do not use copper, copper alloys (brass, bronze), zinc, or galvanized iron.

When water is added, the resulting product is more corrosive to commonly used metals and should be stored in stainless steel (type 304 or 316), baked phenolic-lined steel, fiberglass-reinforced polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene.
Store under nitrogen to avoid degradation which causes undesirable color and odor.

Store under air (without nitrogen blanket) only for short-term storage, when temperature is less than 90°F. 
Slow degradation will occur under air storage.
A desiccant unit may be installed in the vent line to dry incoming air.

Handling of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
TERGITOL 15-S-9 has a typical pour point of 9°C (48°F) and is a low-viscosity liquid at room temperature (60 cP at 25°C). 

While it is unlikely that heated storage and handling facilities will be required for the neat surfactant, some formulations containing TERGITOL 15-S-9 may require heat to maintain adequate handling and/or stability.
Use mild heating, preferably with circulation or agitation, since surfactants are subject to discoloration when overheated. 

Heat with warm water or low watt-density electrical heating tape, so that the container temperature will not exceed 50°C (122°F).
Low-pressure steam is acceptable, as long as circulation or agitation is provided.

Avoid bayonet heaters because high temperatures can be generated on their heating surfaces.
Standard all-iron valves and centrifugal pumps are commonly used for product transfer service. 
Ball valves with “Teflon” seals can be used for “on-off” valves.

First-Aid Measures of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Eyes: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Move casualty to fresh air and keep at rest. 
If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. 

If not breathing, give artificial respiration. 
Get medical attention.

Skin: Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and wash using soap. 
Get medical attention.

Ingestion: Do Not Induce Vomiting! Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
If conscious, wash out mouth with water. 
Get medical attention. 

Fire-Fighting Measures of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Suitable (and unsuitable) extinguishing media: Product is not flammable. 
Use appropriate media for adjacent fire. 
Cool unopened containers with water.

Special protective equipment and precautions for firefighters: Wear self-contained, approved breathing apparatus and full protective clothing, including eye protection and boots.

Specific hazards arising from the chemical:
Emits toxic fumes (carbon oxides) under fire conditions. 
Nature of decomposition product not well known. 
(See also Stability and Reactivity section).

Accidental Release Measures of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Environmental precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains. 
Any release to the environment may be subject to federal/national or local reporting requirements.

Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Absorb spill with noncombustible absorbent material, then place in a suitable container for disposal. 
Clean surfaces thoroughly with water to remove residual contamination. 
Dispose of all waste and cleanup materials in accordance with regulations.

Stability and Reactivity of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Chemical Stability: Stable

Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Will not occur.

Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged excessive heat may cause product decomposition.

Incompatible Materials: Strong bases at high temperatures, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, materials reactive with hydroxyl compounds.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides.

Disposal Considerations of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Waste Residues: Users should review their operations in terms of the applicable federal/national or local regulations and consult with appropriate regulatory agencies if necessary before disposing of waste product or residues.

Product Containers:  Users should review their operations in terms of the applicable federal/national or local regulations and consult with appropriate regulatory agencies if necessary before disposing of waste product container.

Typical Physical Properties of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Actives, wt%: 100
Cloud Point: 60
HLB: 13.3
Moles EO: 9
Pour Point: 9
Appearance: Pale yellow liquid
pH, 1% aq solution: 7.1
Viscosity at 25°C (77°F), cP: 60
Density at 20°C (68°F), g/mL: 1.006
Flash Pt, Closed Cup, ASTM D93: 193°C 380°F

Typical Performance Properties of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
CMC: 52
Surface Tension: 30
Foam Height: 124/43
Draves 20 sec wetting conc, wt%:
at 25°C (77°F): 0.06
at 50°C (122°F): 0.05

Typical Properties of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Hydroxyl Number mg KOH/g: 96
Molecular Weight (calculated from OH#): 584
Degree of Ethoxylation, mole/mole, avg: 8.9
Degree of Ethoxylation, wt%: 67

Actives Content, wt%: 100
Water, wt%: 0.03
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution), °C (°F): 60 (140)
Pour Point, °C (°F): 9 (48)

pH at 25°C (1% aqueous solution): 7.1
Viscosity at 25°C, cP: 60
Color, APHA (Pt-Co): 45
Appearance at 25°C: Clear liquid

Specific Gravity at 20/20°C: 1.006
Flash Point, Pensky-Martens Closed Cup, ASTM D 93, °C, (°F): 193 (379)
HLB Number (calculated): 13.3
Surface Tension (1% aqueous solution), dynes/cm: 30

Specifications of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
CAS Number: 25322-68-3,84133-50-6
Grade: Technical
Appearance: liquid
Boiling Point: > 250 °C (> 482 °F)
Color: yellow
Density: 1.006 g/cm3 @ 20 °C (68 °F)
Evaporation Rate: Calculated < 0.01
Flash Point: 193 °C (379 °F) Method - ASTM D 93
Kinematic Viscosity: Calculated 59.6 mm2/s @ 20 °C (68 °F)
Odor: mild
Partition Coefficient: Pow - Estimated log Pow: 2.72
pH: 7.1 (as aqueous solution)
Recommended Use: Surfactant
Relative Density: Calculated 1.006 @ 20 °C (68 °F)
Relative Vapor Density: Calculated > 1
Solubility in Water: partly soluble
Vapor Pressure: Calculated < 0.01 mmHg @ 20 °C (68 °F)

Chemical Structure of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
The CAS # is 84133-50-6, and the general structural formula is:
C12-14H25-29O[CH2CH2O]xH

Chemical Description of TERGITOL 15-S-9:
Name: Secondary Alcohol Ethoxylate
Surfactant Type: Nonionic 

Density (D): 1,006 g/cm³
Boiling point (bp): 300 °C
Flash point (flp): 176 °C
Melting point (mp): <-25 °C
WGK 1
CAS Number: 68131-40-8
EG-Nr: 614-295-4