Question

How to store OP-21 Octylphenol Ethoxylate? What is the shelf life?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 OP-21辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

OP-21 Octylphenol Ethoxylate should be stored sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse, and the storage area must be locked; under unopened and recommended storage conditions, the typical shelf life is 2 years.

Detailed Description

OP-21 Octylphenol Ethoxylate (CAS No.: 9036-19-5) is chemically stable at room temperature, but due to its hygroscopic nature, humidity in the storage environment must be strictly controlled. The product appears as a white to light yellow paste or solid, with a melting point between 45~50°C. Therefore, during high summer temperatures, direct sunlight and proximity to heat sources should be avoided to prevent softening or even stratification of the product.

According to GHS safety data requirements, this product is classified with hazards including skin irritation (Category 2), serious eye irritation (Category 2A), reproductive toxicity (Category 2), and aquatic environmental hazard (Category 2). Thus, the storage area must be locked (P405) and accessible only to authorized personnel with specialized training. The warehouse should be equipped with emergency spill response facilities, the floor should be impermeable, and the product should be stored strictly separate from food and feed.

Regarding shelf life, based on the physicochemical properties of the product and industry practice, under conditions of maintaining original sealed packaging and storage temperature controlled at 5~35°C, the recommended shelf life for unopened product is 24 months from the manufacturing date. After opening, it should be used as soon as possible, and the container must be resealed immediately after each use to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. If stored beyond the shelf life, it is recommended to contact the technical department of Guoli Chemical for re-testing, and use only after confirming all specifications are acceptable.

Summary of Recommended Storage Conditions

Storage ParameterRequirement
Storage TemperatureRecommended 5~35°C, avoid extreme high or low temperature
Relative HumidityKeep dry environment, avoid high humidity
Container ConditionSealed, prevent moisture absorption and entry of foreign matter
Storage LocationCool, dry, well-ventilated, locked management
Keep Away FromHeat sources, open flames, direct sunlight, strong oxidizers
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / IBC tote
Shelf LifeUnopened, recommended 24 months (from date of manufacture)

Application Recommendations

If the product hardens or solidifies due to low-temperature storage, before use, gently heat in a water bath to 40~50°C and stir until homogeneous. Do not use open flames or direct steam heating to avoid local overheating which may cause product decomposition. After opening, remaining material should be sealed promptly and it is recommended to use within 3 months for optimal performance.

Precautions

  • The storage area must be locked, accessible only to trained personnel, and strictly comply with GHS P405 preventive requirements.
  • In case of leakage, collect leaked material immediately (P391), avoid entry into drains or natural water bodies, and dispose of waste according to hazardous waste regulations (P501).
  • Shelf life data are based on recommended values under standard storage conditions. Accelerated aging data for this product under extreme storage conditions are not available in the database. For special conditions, please consult the technical department of Guoli Chemical.