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C9-11 Pareth 6: Properties and Applications in Industrial Formulations

# C9-11 Pareth 6: Properties and Applications in Industrial Formulations

## Introduction to C9-11 Pareth 6

C9-11 Pareth 6 is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the family of alcohol ethoxylates. This chemical compound is widely used in various industrial applications due to its excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties. The “C9-11” designation refers to the carbon chain length of the fatty alcohol portion, while the “6” indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units attached to the alcohol molecule.

## Chemical Properties

C9-11 Pareth 6 exhibits several notable chemical properties that make it valuable in industrial formulations:

• Molecular weight: Approximately 440-460 g/mol
• Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
• Solubility: Soluble in water and most organic solvents
• HLB value: Around 12-13 (moderate hydrophilicity)
• pH (1% solution): Typically 5.0-7.0

## Key Characteristics

Surface Activity

The compound effectively reduces surface tension at interfaces, making it particularly useful in formulations requiring wetting or spreading properties.

Emulsification Performance

C9-11 Pareth 6 demonstrates excellent oil-in-water emulsification capabilities, especially for medium polarity oils and solvents.

Compatibility

It shows good compatibility with a wide range of other surfactants, including anionics, cationics, and amphoterics, allowing for flexible formulation design.

## Industrial Applications

Cleaning Products

C9-11 Pareth 6 is extensively used in industrial and institutional cleaning formulations:

• Hard surface cleaners
• Degreasers
• Metal cleaning solutions
• Textile processing aids

Agricultural Formulations

In agrochemical applications, this surfactant serves as:

• Emulsifier in pesticide formulations
• Wetting agent for foliar applications
• Adjuvant to improve active ingredient performance

Personal Care and Cosmetics

While less common than in industrial applications, C9-11 Pareth 6 finds use in:

• Mild cleansing products
• Emulsion stabilizers
• Foam boosters in certain formulations

## Formulation Considerations

Concentration Levels

Typical use levels range from 1-10% depending on the application, with higher concentrations used in heavy-duty cleaning formulations.

Synergistic Combinations

For enhanced performance, C9-11 Pareth 6 is often combined with:

• Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS)
• Alkyl ether sulfates
• Amine oxides

## Environmental and Safety Aspects

C9-11 Pareth 6 is generally considered to have:

• Moderate biodegradability (60-80% in standard tests)
• Low aquatic toxicity compared to many other surfactants
• Mild irritation potential to skin and eyes

Proper handling procedures