Question

What are the main components of OP-4 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 OP-4辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

The main component of OP-4 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether is Polyoxyethylene (4) Octylphenyl Ether, which is the addition condensation product of octylphenol and about 4 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), with an active ingredient content ≥99%.

Detailed Description

OP-4 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether (CAS: 9036-19-5) is a nonionic surfactant with the general formula C8H17C6H4O(CH2CH2O)nH, where the ethylene oxide addition number n≈4, and the average molecular weight is approximately 382. From the molecular structure, the product consists of two parts: the hydrophobic group is octylphenyl (C8H17-C6H4-), and the hydrophilic group is a polyoxyethylene ether chain segment composed of about 4 oxyethylene units (-O(CH2CH2O)4H). Due to the low ethylene oxide addition number (n≈4), the product exhibits strong oil solubility and weak hydrophilicity, appearing as a light yellow to yellow oily liquid.

As an industrial-grade nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical, OP-4 is prepared through a precisely controlled ethoxylation reaction of high-purity octylphenol with ethylene oxide. The product has an active ingredient content of up to 99% or more, with free alcohol content controlled below 1%, ensuring stable and reliable performance. OP-4 exhibits excellent water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifying ability, low foam characteristics, and good wetting and dispersing properties, while also possessing outstanding chemical stability, making it suitable for various media such as acid, alkali, and hard water.

Technical Parameters

Parameter NameSpecification
Chemical NameOctylphenol Polyoxyethylene (4) Ether
CAS No.9036-19-5
Molecular FormulaC8H17C6H4O(CH2CH2O)nH, n≈4
Molecular Weight~382
Active Ingredient Content≥99%
Ion TypeNonionic Surfactant
AppearanceLight yellow to yellow oily liquid
HLB Value8.8
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)5.0~7.0
SolubilitySoluble in oils and organic solvents, dispersible in water
Cloud PointNone (Insoluble in water)

Application Suggestions

Based on the low hydrophilicity of OP-4 (n≈4, HLB value 8.8) and excellent water-in-oil emulsifying characteristics, this product is particularly suitable for emulsification and dispersion scenarios in oil-based systems. Typical applications include: as a pesticide emulsifier to improve the dispersion uniformity of technical materials in water; used in formulations of industrial heavy-duty cleaners and metal parts degreasers; in the petroleum extraction field as an emulsification viscosity reducer for oil displacement systems; and as a key starting material for synthesizing anionic surfactants (such as sulfate esters, sulfonates, etc.). Additionally, OP-4 can be used as a penetrant and leveling agent in the textile printing and dyeing industry, and as a degreasing agent in leather processing.

Precautions

  • This product is a low-foaming surfactant, suitable for industrial processes with high foam control requirements. No additional defoamer is needed when formulating.
  • Safety precautions should be taken during operation: It causes skin and eye irritation (H315/H319). Wear impermeable gloves and chemical safety goggles. It is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410). Do not discharge directly into water bodies.
  • Recommended storage temperature: 5°C~40°C. Keep container tightly closed, away from heat sources and strong oxidizers. Avoid moisture absorption and contamination.
  • This product has an active ingredient content ≥99%, high purity, and stable performance, making it suitable for use as a fine chemical synthesis intermediate.