nonylphenol ethoxylates

What is Nonylphenol Ethoxylate?

Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEO) is a nonionic surfactant made by ethoxylating nonylphenol; grades (e.g. NP 4.5, NP 6, NP 9) differ in moles of ethylene oxide and are used mainly in industrial applications.

What is the CAS number of Nonylphenol Ethoxylate?

The CAS number of Nonylphenol Ethoxylate is 9016-45-9.

What is Nonylphenol Ethoxylate used for?

Nonylphenol ethoxylates are used in industrial cleaning; in textiles as scouring and dyeing aids; in agrochemicals; in emulsion polymerization; and in metal and institutional cleaning (where regulations allow). Venus Ethoxyethers manufactures and supplies in India; request a quote for your requirements.

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are nonionic surfactants from ethoxylation of nonylphenol. Amphiphilic structure reduces surface tension and stabilizes emulsions across industrial cleaning, agriculture, textile, and legacy personal care formulations.

Physical and HLB tuning

NPEs up to 6 EO are water-dispersible; 7+ EO grades are fully water soluble. Increasing EO raises HLB, cloud point, and emulsification efficiency for oil-in-water systems in caustic and electrolyte-containing cleaners.

Industrial applications

NPEs function as emulsion stabilizers, dispersants, and solubilizers in institutional detergents, agrochemicals, and textile/leather processing. They are precursors for ether sulfates and ether carboxylates used in broader surfactant systems.

Regulatory transition and alternatives

NPEs face restrictions in EU and other markets due to environmental concerns. Venus supports transition to fatty alcohol ethoxylates and methyl ester ethoxylates. Read the NPE comprehensive guide and APE comparison for reformulation pathways.