OP-4 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether (CAS: 9036-19-5) is a chemically stable nonionic surfactant that does not decompose at room temperature and is non-flammable (flash point > 150°C). Proper storage ensures that the product maintains its excellent water-in-oil emulsifying ability, wetting performance, and chemical stability over a long period, preventing quality degradation due to moisture, high temperature, or impurity contamination.
Regarding shelf life, there is no official shelf life parameter for this product in the Guoli Chemical product database. According to industry common standards and the chemical stability of nonionic surfactants, under strict compliance with recommended storage conditions (cool, dry, sealed, 5~40°C), the recommended usage period for OP-4 is typically 24 months (2 years) from the date of manufacture. For products beyond the recommended period, it is advisable to conduct small-scale tests on key indicators such as appearance, pH value, active content, and emulsifying performance to confirm compliance before continued use.
Improper storage (e.g., prolonged exposure to high temperatures, unsealed containers leading to moisture absorption or oxidation, mixing with incompatible substances such as strong acids or strong oxidizers) may cause issues like color deepening, turbidity, stratification, or reduced active content. In such cases, immediate cessation of use is required, and the product should be disposed of by qualified institutions. It is strictly prohibited to discharge waste products directly into water bodies, as they are highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410).
| Parameter | Specification | Data Source |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable at room temperature | Guoli Chemical Database |
| Flash Point | > 150°C (typical, non-flammable) | Guoli Chemical Database |
| Recommended Storage Temperature | 5°C ~ 40°C | Guoli Chemical Database |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow oily liquid | Guoli Chemical Database |
| Active Content | ≥ 99% | Guoli Chemical Database |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 1.0% | Guoli Chemical Database |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | Guoli Chemical Database |
| Typical Shelf Life | 24 months (from date of manufacture, industry common standard) | Based on industry experience and nonionic surfactant stability assessment |
As a water-in-oil emulsifier, OP-4 requires special attention to moisture-proof sealing during storage. Since the product has an extremely low moisture content (≤ 1.0%), moisture absorption may affect its emulsifying performance and formulation effects in fields such as pesticide formulations, oil exploration, and textile dyeing and printing. It is recommended to immediately close the container after each use. Using nitrogen blanketing or dry air protection can further extend the product's service life.
Before formulation applications (e.g., preparing metal cleaning agents, leather degreasing agents), it is advisable to conduct small-scale tests to verify whether the emulsifying power, dispersibility, and foam characteristics meet process requirements, especially for batches approaching the end of their shelf life.