Question

What is Agricultural Emulsifier 600, Tris(styryl)phenol polyoxyethylene ether

Answer

Agricultural Emulsifier 600 (Tris(styryl)phenol polyoxyethylene ether) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant, with CAS number 99734-09-5. It is widely used in pesticide formulations, textile printing and dyeing, industrial cleaning, and metalworking fluids due to its excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities.

Detailed Description

Agricultural Emulsifier 600, chemically known as tris(styryl)phenol polyoxyethylene ether (also called polyoxyethylene tris(styryl)phenyl ether, pesticide emulsifier No. 600), is a classic nonionic surfactant introduced by Guoli Chemical. Its unique molecular structure is obtained by reacting tris(styryl)phenol with ethylene oxide via polyoxyethylation, with a molecular weight of approximately 1300. The proportion of hydrophilic chains and hydrophobic groups endows it with outstanding amphiphilic properties.

The product appears as a light yellow to brownish yellow viscous liquid, with viscosity increasing as temperature decreases, and it is a flowable viscous liquid. As a nonionic surfactant, it exhibits strong tolerance to acidic and alkaline environments as well as hard water, maintaining stable performance over a wide pH range and in high-hardness water without easy deactivation. It also has good compatibility for compounding, allowing flexible combination with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants for synergistic enhancement.

In terms of core performance, Agricultural Emulsifier 600 demonstrates excellent emulsifying power, forming stable, non-separating emulsions with various oil phases and solvent systems. Its outstanding dispersibility helps effectively disperse active ingredient particles, thereby improving the uniformity and suspension stability of formulations. Additionally, it significantly reduces surface tension (1% aqueous solution at 25°C yields a surface tension of approximately 30~35 mN\/m), promoting wetting and spreading of the spray liquid on target surfaces. The product itself is low-foaming, reducing the likelihood of excessive foam interference in practical applications.

Technical Parameters

ParameterSpecification
Ion TypeNonionic
Appearance (25°C)Light yellow to brownish yellow viscous liquid
Active Content (%)≥99.0
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
HLB ValueApproximately 13.5
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)≥90°C
Moisture Content (%)≤0.5
Acid Value (mg KOH\/g)≤0.5
Saponification Value (mg KOH\/g)≤2.0
Iodine Value (g I₂\/100g)≤1
Density (25°C, g\/cm³)1.08~1.12
Kinematic Viscosity (40°C, mm²\/s)200~500
Refractive Index (20°C)1.490~1.495
Flash Point (°C)>150
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)30~35 mN\/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approximately 1×10⁻⁴ mol\/L
SolubilityEasily soluble in water
Foaming PerformanceLow foaming

The above data comes from Guoli Chemical product database.

Application Recommendations

Pesticide Emulsifier: Suitable for preparing emulsifiable concentrates (EC), oil-in-water emulsions (EW), microemulsions (ME), and other formulations, can be used as primary emulsifier or co-emulsifier. It is recommended to determine the optimal dosage through compatibility tests during formulation development, typically used in combination with nonionic or anionic emulsifiers to achieve ideal emulsification and stability.

Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliary: Used as a component in high-temperature leveling agents and dispersants, especially suitable for dyeing polyester and its blended fabrics, effectively preventing color spots and dye stains, improving dye penetration and leveling uniformity.

Industrial Cleaning Agents: Used in formulating metal degreasers and multi-purpose hard surface cleaners, leveraging excellent emulsification and penetration to efficiently remove stubborn soils such as mineral oils, animal and vegetable fats. Recommended to be compounded with alkaline additives, chelating agents, etc.

Metalworking Fluids: Acts as an emulsifier and lubricant in water-based metalworking fluids such as cutting fluids and grinding fluids, helping to improve cooling performance and inhibit microbial growth, extending the service life of the working fluid.

Precautions

  • Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) thoroughly before use to understand the GHS classification and hazard information of the product.
  • Wear chemical safety goggles, protective gloves, and protective clothing during operation to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
  • Ensure good ventilation in the work area, and wear respiratory protection if necessary to avoid inhaling vapors or aerosols.
  • Store at 5~35°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; keep container tightly closed, and keep away from strong oxidizers and ignition sources.
  • This product is harmful to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects; do not discharge the product or waste into water bodies or soil.
  • Packaging specifications: 50 kg plastic drum, 200 kg plastic drum, IBC tote; subject to actual shipment by Guoli Chemical.