Question

What is Rubai Ling / O-8

Answer
2026-05-27 官方文档 乳百灵/O-8

Rubai Ling / O-8 (CAS: 68439-49-6) is a classic nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical. Its chemical composition is fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (8) ether (C12~14). It appears as a milky white to light yellow paste with an HLB value of 11~12. It combines efficient emulsification, wetting, dispersion, and solubilization capabilities, and is widely used in textiles, cleaning, pesticides, emulsion polymerization, and other industrial fields.

Detailed Description

Rubai Ling / O-8 (also known as Emulsifier O-8, C12-14 alcohol polyether-8, polyoxyethylene (8) C12-14 alkyl ether) is a nonionic surfactant starting from C12-14 fatty alcohols with the addition of about 8 moles of ethylene oxide (EO). Its molecular weight is approximately 530~560 Da, belonging to the saturated fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether product category. This product is manufactured by Hai'an Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., with an effective content of ≥99% and free alcohol ≤1.0%, ensuring high purity.

Rubai Ling / O-8 has an ideal HLB value of 11~12, which gives it excellent interfacial activity in oil-water systems. It is easily soluble in oils and organic solvents and disperses in water. The cloud point of its 1% aqueous solution is as high as 50~70°C, making it suitable for high-temperature operating environments. Its surface tension is about 28~32 mN/m (1% aqueous solution, 25°C), with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) as low as 0.02~0.05 g/L, offering high efficiency. It exhibits excellent chemical stability, remaining stable in acid, alkali, and high-concentration electrolyte salt solutions. It also has outstanding hard water resistance and does not form calcium soap precipitates.

As a nonionic surfactant, Rubai Ling / O-8 has good compatibility when compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants. It can be used as the main emulsifier or co-emulsifier in formulations, making it an ideal basic component for multifunctional industrial formulations. The product has a pour point of about 10~15°C, appearing as a paste at room temperature. It may become solid in winter at low temperatures, but can regain fluidity after appropriate heating before use.

Technical Parameters

ItemSpecification
Chemical NameFatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene (8) Ether (C12-14)
CAS Number68439-49-6
Ionic TypeNonionic
AppearanceMilky white to light yellow paste
Effective Content≥99%
HLB Value11~12
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)50~70°C
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Hydroxyl Value90~105 mgKOH/g
Surface Tension (1%, 25°C)About 28~32 mN/m
CMC (25°C)0.02~0.05 g/L
Penetration Power (0.1%, 25°C, Canvas Sinking Method)About 15~30 seconds
Moisture Content≤1.0%
Iodine Value≤2
Density (20°C)0.99~1.01 g/cm³
Flash Point>150°C
Pour PointAbout 10~15°C
Acid Value≤1.0 mgKOH/g
Free Alcohol≤1.0%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)≤20 mg/kg
Arsenic≤2 mg/kg
Foaming CharacteristicsMedium foam
Alkali ResistanceAlkali resistant
SolubilityEasily soluble in oils, disperses in water
Chemical StabilityStable in acid, alkali, and salt solutions
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / IBC tote

Application Recommendations

Rubai Ling / O-8, with its balanced emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing properties, excels in the following seven major application areas:

  • Textile Dyeing and Finishing: Used in high-temperature scouring of cotton, synthetic fibers, and blended fabrics before processing, after-dyeing washing, and dye dispersion. Recommended dosage is 5%~15% of the total formulation weight, significantly improving fabric whiteness and capillary effect.
  • Industrial and Household Cleaning: Suitable for hard surface cleaning formulations such as vehicles, kitchens, and tiles. It has good stability when compounded with various additives. Recommended dosage is 3%~10%.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Used as an emulsifier in the preparation of emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, and microemulsions. Recommended dosage is 3%~8% of the total formulation weight, effectively improving the emulsification dispersion and dilution stability of pesticide technical materials.
  • Emulsion Polymerization: Used as a main emulsifier or co-emulsifier in emulsion polymerization systems such as acrylate and styrene-acrylic. Recommended dosage is 1%~4% of the total monomer weight.
  • Paper Deinking: Promotes ink removal and dispersion during waste paper deinking processes. Recommended dosage is 0.1%~0.5% of the dry pulp weight.
  • Leather Processing: Used in soaking and degreasing steps. Recommended dosage is 0.5%~2% of the leather weight.
  • Metalworking Fluids: Formulates cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and inter-process cleaners. Recommended dosage is 5%~20%.

Precautions

Hazard Warning: This product is a chemical. GHS hazard categories include: Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 2), Serious eye damage/eye irritation (Category 1), Acute toxicity - oral (Category 4), Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic toxicity (Category 3). The signal word is "Danger". Harmful if swallowed (H302), Causes skin irritation (H315), Causes serious eye damage (H318), Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H412).

Operational Protection: Must wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection (P280) during operation. Use in a well-ventilated area. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using. In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of flowing water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly. Do not use any neutralizing agents.

Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated dedicated warehouse. The warehouse temperature should not exceed 30°C, and relative humidity should not exceed 75%. Keep container tightly sealed. Avoid direct sunlight. Keep away from fire and heat sources. Store separately from oxidizing agents, acids, and food chemicals.

Winter Usage Tips: The pour point of the product is about 10~15°C. At low temperatures, it may become solid. Before use, it can be heated in a water bath to 25~35°C to restore its paste-like fluidity. Avoid localized overheating during heating.