OP-4 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether (CAS: 9036-19-5), also known as Emulsifier OP-4, Triton X-45, with the chemical name Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene (4) Ether or Polyethylene Glycol Monooctylphenyl Ether (n≈4), is a high-quality nonionic surfactant produced by Hailian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. This product is synthesized by the addition condensation of octylphenol with about 4 moles of ethylene oxide. Its molecular structure features both a lipophilic octylphenyl group and a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chain, giving it unique interfacial activity.
The core characteristics of OP-4 are reflected in three aspects: First, excellent water-in-oil emulsifying ability, effectively dispersing the water phase into the oil phase to form a stable W/O emulsion, while also possessing good wetting and dispersing properties; Second, outstanding chemical stability, maintaining stable surface activity in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media, not easily hydrolyzed or deactivated; Third, low foam properties, particularly suitable for industrial processes with high foam control requirements, reducing the need for defoamers.
This product has low acute toxicity (oral LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg), a flash point above 150°C, and is non-flammable. However, caution is required during operation as it is irritating to the skin and eyes (H315, H319), and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410). Therefore, appropriate protective equipment must be worn during use, and the product must not be discharged directly into water bodies.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | OP-4 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether |
| CAS No. | 9036-19-5 |
| Aliases | Emulsifier OP-4, Triton X-45, Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene (4) Ether |
| Product Type | Nonionic Surfactant |
| Appearance | Light Yellow Oily Liquid |
| EO Number (n) | ≈4 |
| Emulsion Type | Water-in-Oil (W/O) |
| Chemical Stability | Resistant to Acid, Alkali, and Hard Water |
| Foam Characteristics | Low Foaming |
| Flash Point | > 150°C (Typical) |
| Acute Toxicity (Oral LD₅₀) | > 2000 mg/kg |
| Storage Temperature | 5°C ~ 40°C |
1. Pesticide Emulsifier: As an efficient emulsifying component in organophosphorus and pyrethroid pesticide formulations, it improves the uniform dispersion of the active ingredient in water, enhances the wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid on plant leaf surfaces, effectively boosting efficacy.
2. Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliary: Used as a penetrating agent in fabric pretreatment processes to quickly promote the penetration of alkali liquor and bleaching liquor into the fiber interior; used as a leveling agent in high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing to slow down the dye uptake rate, preventing color spots and streaks, ensuring uniform and full dyeing.
3. Petroleum Extraction and Processing Auxiliary: Applied in the emulsification and viscosity reduction stages of oilfield flooding systems to improve the flowability of heavy crude oil; used as an auxiliary emulsifier in the pretreatment of crude oil demulsification and dehydration to adjust interfacial tension and improve dehydration efficiency.
4. Industrial and Household Cleaning Agents: Used in formulating degreasers for metal parts and hard surface cleaners, with strong emulsifying and dispersing ability for mineral oils and polar soils, suitable for use at room temperature and under heating conditions.
5. Leather Degreasing Agent: Used in the degreasing treatment of raw hides during liming and bating stages, effectively penetrating between leather fibers to emulsify and remove natural fats, leaving the hide clean and soft.
6. Metalworking Fluids: Acts as an emulsifier and lubricant in cutting fluid and grinding fluid formulations, helping to form stable microemulsions, reduce friction, extend tool life, and improve machined surface quality.
7. Intermediate for Anionic Surfactant Synthesis: As a key starting material for synthesizing anionic surfactants such as sulfate esters and sulfonates, introducing hydrophilic groups through reactions like sulfonation and sulfation, producing a range of anionic products for daily use and industrial applications.