Question

What is Peregal O-3

Answer
2026-05-27 官方文档 平平加O-3

Peregal O-3 is a nonionic surfactant with a low HLB value, derived from natural C12-14 fatty alcohols as the starting material and condensed with 3 moles of ethylene oxide. Its core function is water-in-oil (W/O) emulsification, while also exhibiting excellent wetting, penetration, and dispersion properties.

Detailed Description

Peregal O-3 (Peregal O-3), chemically known as fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether, also goes by the aliases AEO-3, Laureth-3, Emulsifier O-3, etc., with CAS number 68439-49-6, molecular formula C12-14H25-29O(C2H4O)3H, and a molecular weight of approximately 330. This product is manufactured by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. It is a nonionic surfactant produced by condensing ethylene oxide with natural C12-14 fatty alcohols as the starting material.

In appearance, it is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid or paste (melting point 35~40°C), with an active matter content of ≥99% and an HLB value of 6.5~8.5. The molecular structure dominated by lipophilic groups endows it with excellent emulsifying capacity in water-in-oil systems. The product is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone, dispersible in water but does not form a clear solution (no typical cloud point). It exhibits low foaming characteristics and maintains excellent chemical stability under a wide range of acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions.

As one of the core nonionic surfactant varieties from Guoli Chemical, Peregal O-3 has good compatibility with various anionic, cationic, and nonionic auxiliaries. A low dosage can achieve the desired effect, making the overall usage cost economical and efficient. The product is packaged in 50kg plastic drums, 200kg plastic drums, or IBC totes, with a shelf life of 24 months under cool, dry, and sealed conditions.

Technical Parameters

Parameter NameSpecification
Chemical NameFatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether
AliasesAEO-3, Laureth-3, C12-14 Alcohol Ethoxylate-3
CAS Number68439-49-6
Ionic TypeNonionic
AppearanceColorless to light yellow liquid or paste
Active Matter Content≥99%
HLB Value6.5~8.5
pH Value (1% aqueous solution)5.5~7.5
Hydroxyl Value160~170 mgKOH/g
Density (25°C)0.92~0.94 g/cm³
Melting Point35~40 °C
Flash Point>150 °C
Surface Tension (0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C)Approx. 28~30 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approx. 0.05 g/L
Water Content≤1.0%
Acid Value≤1.0 mgKOH/g
Iodine Value≤2
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C)30~50 mm²/s
Low Shear Viscosity (25°C)Approx. 28~47 mPa·s
Free Alcohol Content≤1.0%
Refractive Index1.45~1.46
SolubilitySoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone, dispersible in water
Foaming CharacteristicsLow foaming
Chemical StabilityGood chemical stability towards acids, alkalis, hard water, and oxidizing agents

Application Suggestions

1. Water-in-Oil (W/O) Emulsifier (Core Application): Peregal O-3 is the preferred primary emulsifier for preparing W/O emulsions, especially suitable for formulations with a high oil phase proportion. In areas such as cosmetic creams, lubricating oils, and pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, the recommended dosage is 2%~8% of the total formulation. It effectively reduces oil-water interfacial tension, forming a uniform, fine, and stable emulsion that does not separate during long-term storage.

2. Synthetic Fiber Spin Finish: In the spinning process of polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and other synthetic fibers, Peregal O-3 acts as a smoothing agent and antistatic component, imparting excellent smoothness and cohesion to the fibers, reducing filament breakage and ends-down, and improving spinnability.

3. Industrial Degreasing and Hard Surface Cleaning: In metal pretreatment and machining cleaning formulations, Peregal O-3 quickly penetrates oil layers, enhancing oil removal efficiency. Its low-foaming property makes it especially suitable for high-pressure spray and circulation cleaning systems.

4. Textile Dyeing and Printing Auxiliaries: Used in leveling agent and penetrant formulations, it promotes even dye uptake, preventing uneven dyeing and stains. In fabric pretreatment (desizing, scouring, mercerizing), it accelerates the penetration of auxiliaries into the fiber interior.

5. Metalworking Fluids: As a core emulsifier and lubricating component in cutting fluids, rolling oils, and other metalworking fluids, it offers synergistic cooling, lubrication, and anti-corrosion effects.

6. Pesticide Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) Emulsifier: It forms a homogeneous EC solution with the pesticide technical material and solvent, which spontaneously disperses into a stable emulsion upon dilution with water, ensuring uniform spraying and efficient absorption of the pesticide solution.

Precautions

  • Skin/Eye Irritation: This product is classified under GHS as Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 2 and Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation Category 2A (Signal Word: Warning). During operation, wear nitrile rubber protective gloves and chemical safety goggles, avoiding direct contact.
  • Environmental Impact: Harmful to aquatic life (H402). Do not discharge the product or its packaging waste into sewers, waterways, or soil. Disposal must be carried out by qualified professional agencies.
  • Storage Requirements: Keep the container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and open flames, avoiding direct sunlight. Recommended storage at room temperature.
  • Usage Limitations: Peregal O-3 is insoluble in water (only dispersible) and is not suitable for formulations requiring highly water-soluble surfactants. For O/W emulsifiers requiring high HLB values, it is recommended to use higher EO number grades from Guoli Chemical's Peregal O series (e.g., Peregal O-9, O-15, O-20, etc.).
  • First Aid Measures: In case of skin contact, wash immediately with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. In case of eye contact, rinse eyes with plenty of water under the eyelids for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly. If ingested, do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention.