Lauryl polyoxyethylene ether LAE-4 (CAS No.: 9004-81-3), chemically known as polyoxyethylene (4) laurate (PEG-4 Laurate), belongs to the category of nonionic surfactants. The product appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid, produced by the addition polymerization of lauric acid with 4 moles of ethylene oxide (EO). Its molecular structure contains both hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and lipophilic laurate ester groups, and this "amphiphilic" structure endows it with excellent ability to reduce interfacial tension and stabilize oil/water systems.
The core performance advantages of this product are reflected in five aspects: first, excellent emulsifying ability to form stable and fine oil/water emulsions; second, superior solubilizing performance to significantly enhance the solubility of poorly soluble substances, improving formulation transparency and stability; third, outstanding wetting and spreading properties to quickly reduce interfacial tension; fourth, excellent chemical stability with resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water; fifth, multifunctional compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, making it an extremely flexible component in formulation development.
In terms of chemical properties, LAE-4 has good biodegradability, is classified as a low-toxicity chemical, poses no significant health hazards under normal use conditions, and is not flammable or explosive. It is recommended to be stored at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C, with a shelf life of two years under specified storage conditions.
| Parameter Item | Parameter Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lauryl polyoxyethylene ether LAE-4 |
| Alias | Polyoxyethylene (4) laurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Polyoxyethylene (4) monolaurate |
| CAS No. | 9004-81-3 |
| Product Type | Nonionic surfactant |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Moles of EO | 4 |
| Ionicity | Nonionic |
| Solubility | Dispersible/soluble in water |
| Chemical Stability | Resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water |
| Compatibility | Compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants |
Personal Care Products: Used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and superfatting agent in formulations such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes, enhancing product stability and skin feel experience.
Textile Industry: Used as an antistatic agent and softener to improve fiber processing performance, imparting excellent touch and smoothness to fabrics.
Metalworking Fluids: Functions as an emulsifier and lubricant in cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and other formulations, effectively improving metalworking precision and efficiency.
Pesticide Formulations: Used as an emulsifier in emulsifiable concentrates and water-based emulsions, enhancing the spreading and penetration ability of the liquid on plants and target surfaces.
Industrial Cleaning: Applied in hard surface cleaner formulations to enhance the emulsifying and removal effect on oil stains.
Leather Processing: Used as a component of fatliquoring agents, imparting softness and fullness to leather.
Coatings and Inks: Acts as a wetting and dispersing agent, promoting uniform distribution of pigments and fillers, stabilizing the system, and improving leveling.