Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated (CAS 68439-46-3) — Green N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient
Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated
CAS 68439-46-3
What Is Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated?
Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated are synthetic surfactants commonly found in cleaning products, detergents, and industrial formulations. They help dissolve oils and dirt in water-based solutions. While not typically used in fine fragrances, these compounds play a crucial role in maintaining product stability and performance in household and industrial applications where emulsification and cleaning are required.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated Smell Like?
Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated typically have a mild, slightly fatty odor with faint alcoholic notes. The scent is generally neutral and unobtrusive, making it suitable for industrial applications where strong odors would be undesirable. The ethoxylation process tends to mute any sharp alcohol characteristics, resulting in a bland, clean profile that doesn’t interfere with other fragrance components in formulated products.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated are synthetic compounds produced by reacting C9-11 fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide. The ethoxylation process creates polyethoxylated chains of varying lengths attached to the alcohol backbone. These compounds are part of a broader class of nonionic surfactants known for their emulsifying and cleaning properties. The exact molecular structure varies depending on the degree of ethoxylation and the specific alcohol chain lengths in the C9-11 mixture.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Products | 5-15% | 1-20% | Primary surfactant |
| Industrial Formulations | 3-10% | 1-15% | Emulsifier |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a surfactant base in cleaning formulations where mildness and cleaning power are required.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar properties with slightly longer carbon chain for improved cleaning performance in hard water conditions.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA as it is not used in fine fragrance applications.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Not evaluated by RIFM as it is primarily an industrial surfactant.
Sustainability
As a synthetic surfactant, C9-11 alcohol ethoxylates are petroleum-derived but can be produced from renewable sources through oleochemical routes. Their environmental impact depends on the degree of biodegradability, which improves with shorter ethoxylate chains. Proper wastewater treatment is recommended due to potential aquatic toxicity at high concentrations.
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated PubChem
- Surfactant Science and Technology by Drew Myers
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68439-46-3Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
