[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, effects of laureth alcohol polyoxyethylene ether

Properties of Lauryl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether

Lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (English name: Laureth) is a non-ionic surfactant, commonly used in daily chemical and industrial fields. It is a class of compounds formed by the addition reaction of lauryl alcohol (also known as dodecanol) with ethylene oxide, and has the general structural formula C12H25O(C2H4O)nH, where n represents the degree of polymerization of the oxyethylene group, usually between 2 and 10. Lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether has excellent emulsifying, wetting, decontamination and solubilizing capabilities, which make it perform well in various applications.

physical and chemical properties

The physical and chemical properties of polyoxyethylene lauryl ether are closely related to the length of its polyoxyethylene chain. Typically, such materials appear as colorless to light yellow liquids or waxy solids with a mild odor. They have good water solubility, which increases with the length of the polyoxyethylene chain. Its critical micelle concentration (CMC) is low, which can effectively reduce the surface tension of water. Their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB value) can be controlled by adjusting the polyoxyethylene chain length, usually between 12 and 15, which makes it possible to form stable emulsions at the oil-water interface.

Use

Lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether is widely used in detergent, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, textile, paper and other fields. In detergents, as one of the main active ingredients, it can effectively remove dirt and grease; in cosmetics, it is used in products such as emulsions, facial cleansers and shampoos to solubilize, emulsify and stabilize foam; In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as an emulsifier and solubilizer for pharmaceutical preparations to improve the bioavailability of drugs; in the textile and paper industries, it is used for fiber treatment and pulp preparation, improve the texture and performance of the product.

Upstream raw materials

The production of polyoxyethylene lauryl ether relies on two main raw materials: lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol can be extracted from coconut oil or palm kernel oil with good biodegradability and low toxicity. Ethylene oxide is an important chemical raw material, which is produced by direct oxidation of ethylene or chlorohydrin. These two raw materials generate laureth alcohol polyoxyethylene ether through addition reaction. The process is usually carried out under the action of acid or alkali catalyst. The reaction temperature and pressure need to be strictly controlled to ensure product quality and yield.

Downstream Products

As an important surfactant, the downstream products of polyoxyethylene lauryl ether are involved in many fields. In household and industrial cleaners, it is often used in conjunction with other surfactants, builders, etc. to make multifunctional cleaning products; in personal care products, it is mixed with various skin care and hair care ingredients to make cleaning, Cosmetics with care and beauty effects; in industrial applications, it is used in the production of functional additives such as emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants, and is widely used in agriculture, oil fields, coatings and other industries.

Production process

The production process of polyoxyethylene lauryl ether mainly includes three steps: raw material pretreatment, addition reaction and post-treatment. The lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide are mixed according to a certain proportion and pretreated to remove impurities and moisture; the addition reaction is carried out under the action of catalyst, and the reaction conditions need to be accurately controlled to obtain the polymerization degree and molecular weight of the target product; the reaction product is post-treated by distillation, washing and drying to obtain the pure polyoxyethylene ether product.

storage method

Lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. It is sensitive to humidity and temperature, and the storage temperature should be controlled between 10-30°C. Because it has a certain moisture absorption, it should be sealed and stored to prevent moisture and agglomeration. Storage areas should be kept away from chemicals such as strong oxidants, acids and bases to avoid unwanted chemical reactions. Operators should wear protective equipment during handling and use to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.

Safety and environmental protection

Lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether is relatively safe during use and storage, but it is still necessary to pay attention to its possible irritation to the skin and eyes, and long-term contact may cause skin dryness and allergic reactions. Because of its good biodegradability, it is easy to degrade in the environment and is not easy to cause lasting pollution. Large discharges may have a short-term impact on the water ecosystem, so waste disposal should follow environmental regulations and avoid direct discharge into natural water bodies.

Market Prospects

As people pay more attention to environmental protection and health and safety, the market demand for lauryl polyoxyethylene ether is increasing due to its excellent performance and relatively mild environmental impact. Especially in the field of personal care and household cleaning products, consumer preference for natural, environmentally friendly products has driven the demand for laureth. Technological advances in industrial applications and the development of new products have also added new vitality to its market prospects. It is expected that the market size of lauryl polyoxyethylene ether will continue to expand in the next few years, and the industry has broad prospects.

Conclusion

As an important non-ionic surfactant, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether plays an important role in many fields because of its excellent performance and wide application prospect. From the selection of raw materials to the storage of finished products, every link is crucial to the quality and performance of the final product. With the continuous growth of market demand and technological progress, lauryl polyoxyethylene ether will occupy a more important position in the future chemical industry.