Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), -tridecyl–hydroxy- (CAS 24938-91-8) — Citrus Non-fragrant Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Floral

Poly(oxy-_1,_2-_ethanediyl)_, _-_tridecyl-__-_hydroxy-

CAS 24938-91-8

Origin
synthetic
Note
Non-fragrant
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Poly(oxy-_1,_2-_ethanediyl)_, _-_tridecyl-__-_hydroxy-?

This synthetic polymer is primarily used in industrial applications and personal care products as an emulsifier or surfactant. You might encounter it in shampoos, conditioners, or cleaning products where it helps blend oil and water components. While not a traditional fragrance ingredient, its functional properties make it valuable in product formulations where texture and stability are key.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for cosmetic use
Follow manufacturer guidelines
CAS
24938-91-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Poly(oxy-_1,_2-_ethanediyl)_, _-_tridecyl-__-_hydroxy- Smell Like?

This ingredient is virtually odorless, functioning primarily as a non-fragrant component in formulations. It may impart a very faint, clean, slightly waxy character at high concentrations, but generally has no significant olfactory impact. Its role is structural rather than aromatic, helping to stabilize fragrance compositions without contributing top, heart, or base notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether

SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCOCCO |lp:13:2,16:2,Sg:n:13,14,15::ht|

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This polyethylene glycol derivative is a synthetic polymer created through the ethoxylation of tridecyl alcohol. The resulting molecule features a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chain and a lipophilic tridecyl group, giving it amphiphilic properties. Industrial synthesis typically involves reacting the alcohol with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions. The degree of ethoxylation can vary, affecting the molecule’s solubility and surfactant properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Non-fragrant
Volatility
Non-volatile
Blending
Functional additive
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Personal Care1-5%0.5-10%Emulsifier in shampoos and lotions
Household Cleaners2-8%1-15%Surfactant in detergent formulations

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a stabilizer in fragrance emulsions where oil-water compatibility is required.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Polysorbate 20 CAS 9005-64-5

Similar emulsifying properties with slightly higher water solubility, often preferred in clear formulations.

2
Polyethylene glycol 40 hydrogenated castor oil CAS 61788-85-0

Plant-derived alternative with comparable surfactant properties for natural formulations.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Not currently assessed by RIFM due to non-fragrance applications.

Sustainability

As a synthetic polymer, this ingredient is produced from petrochemical feedstocks. While not biodegradable, its high efficiency means relatively small quantities are needed in formulations. Manufacturers are exploring bio-based ethylene oxide routes to reduce environmental impact. Proper industrial handling prevents environmental release during production.

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References

    Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID8043993

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.306 dimensionless💻 Computed

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 29.46 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 1 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 14 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed

    Data Sources:

    🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.

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