Question

What is Agricultural Emulsifier 600, tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether? What are its main uses?

Answer

Agricultural Emulsifier 600 (tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant widely used in pesticide emulsification, textile printing and dyeing, industrial cleaning, and metalworking fields, renowned for its excellent emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting capabilities.

Detailed Description

Agricultural Emulsifier 600, chemical name tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (CAS No.: 99734-09-5), is a classic nonionic surfactant produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. The product appears as a light yellow to brownish yellow viscous liquid that flows, with viscosity increasing as temperature decreases. Its unique molecular structure—an adduct of tristyrylphenol and ethylene oxide—imparts strong interfacial activity, enabling excellent performance in various complex systems.

As a nonionic surfactant, Agricultural Emulsifier 600 is unaffected by water hardness and maintains stable chemical properties over a wide pH range (acidic and alkaline conditions). This characteristic allows good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants when compounded, providing synergistic effects and high formulation design flexibility. The product has an acute oral LD50 > 2000 mg/kg in rats and a dermal LD50 > 2000 mg/kg in rabbits, classifying it as having low acute toxicity; however, eye and skin protection should still be used during handling.

The key to the industry reputation of Agricultural Emulsifier 600 lies in its superior emulsifying power—it can form stable emulsions with various oil phases and solvent systems, resisting separation upon prolonged storage; and its excellent dispersibility effectively disperses solid particles, improving the uniformity and suspension stability of formulations. Additionally, it possesses outstanding wetting and spreading properties, significantly reducing liquid surface tension and promoting adhesion and penetration of the working solution on target surfaces.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
Product NameAgricultural Emulsifier 600 / Tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether
CAS No.99734-09-5
AliasesPesticide Emulsifier 600, Polyoxyethylene tristyrylphenyl ether, Tristyrylphenol ethoxylate
Ionic TypeNonionic
AppearanceLight yellow to brownish yellow viscous liquid
Physical FormFlowable viscous liquid, viscosity increases with decreasing temperature
GHS ClassificationSkin Irritation Category 2 (H315), Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation Category 2A (H319), Respiratory Irritation (H335), Chronic Aquatic Toxicity Category 3 (H412)
Acute Toxicity (Rat Oral LD50)> 2000 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Rabbit Dermal LD50)> 2000 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity to Fish (96h LC50)10–100 mg/L

Application Recommendations

1. Pesticide Emulsifier (Core Use): Agricultural Emulsifier 600 is a classic emulsifier component in pesticide formulations such as emulsifiable concentrates (EC), oil-in-water emulsions (EW), and microemulsions (ME). It significantly enhances the dispersion of technical active ingredients and the long-term stability of the emulsion, preventing formulation separation and sedimentation, thereby extending the efficacy duration. It can be used alone as the primary emulsifier or compounded with other surfactants as a co-emulsifier.

2. Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliary: As a leveling agent and dispersant, Agricultural Emulsifier 600 improves dye penetration and migration on fabrics, effectively preventing color spots and dyeing defects. It is suitable for dyeing and finishing processes of various fibers such as cotton and polyester.

3. Industrial Cleaning Agent: In metal degreasers and multi-purpose cleaning formulations, Agricultural Emulsifier 600 leverages its excellent emulsifying and penetrating abilities to efficiently remove stubborn oil stains such as mineral oils and animal/vegetable oils, enhancing cleaning efficiency.

4. Metalworking Fluid Component: In cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and other metalworking fluids, Agricultural Emulsifier 600 provides emulsifying and lubricating effects, helping improve cooling performance while inhibiting microbial growth, extending the service life of the working fluid.

Precautions

  • Personal Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during handling to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. If ventilation is inadequate, wear respiratory protective equipment.
  • Storage Conditions: Store at 5–35°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Keep containers tightly closed and away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, and other incompatible materials.
  • Environmental Protection: This product is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). Do not discharge into water bodies, drains, or soil. In case of spillage, collect with inert absorbent materials such as sand or vermiculite and dispose of as hazardous waste through professional agencies.
  • First Aid Measures: For skin contact, wash immediately with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes. For eye contact, rinse with running water continuously for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. If inhaled, move to fresh air quickly.