Question

What are the main characteristics of OP-7 Octylphenol Ethoxylate?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 OP-7辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

OP-7 is a multifunctional nonionic surfactant with moderate HLB value, integrating emulsifying/wetting/dispersing/detergency properties. With broad chemical compatibility and low foaming characteristics, it is widely used in industrial cleaning, textiles, pesticides, emulsion polymerization, and many other fields.

Detailed Description

OP-7 (Octylphenol Ethoxylate (7) Ether, CAS No. 9036-19-5) is a high-purity nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical, appearing as a colorless to light yellow transparent oily liquid with an active content of ≥99%. Its molecular structure is a polyoxyethylene ether formed by the addition of octylphenol with 7 ethylene oxide (EO) units, with a molecular weight of approximately 514 g/mol, belonging to the alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO) surfactant class. With its unique hydrophilic-lipophilic balance design, this product plays an irreplaceable role in many industrial formulations.

The core advantage of OP-7 lies in the high integration of four key properties: first, efficient emulsification and dispersion capacity, with excellent emulsifying effects on various oil phases such as mineral oils, aromatic solvents, and vegetable oils, producing highly stable emulsions; second, outstanding wetting and detergency, with a low surface tension of about 30 mN/m (0.1% aqueous solution) and a critical micelle concentration of about 0.2 mmol/L, enabling rapid penetration and removal of various stains; third, broad chemical compatibility, showing excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and calcium/magnesium ions in hard water, suitable for complex chemical environments; fourth, multifunctionality in application, where a single component can meet multiple process requirements such as emulsification, wetting, dispersion, and detergency, effectively simplifying formulation design and reducing overall costs.

It is worth noting that OP-7 has a cloud point characteristic of 25~35°C, appearing transparent at room temperature, which facilitates blending and use; it has low foaming properties, making it especially suitable for industrial cleaning scenarios requiring low foam or easy rinsing; the product is easily soluble in both oil and water, possessing both oil solubility and water dispersibility, allowing it to function in both oil-based and water-based formulations. Against the backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, Guoli Chemical continuously optimizes production processes and strictly controls heavy metal content (≤10 mg/kg) and arsenic content (≤2 mg/kg) to ensure stable and reliable product quality.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemTechnical IndicatorRemarks
Chemical NameOctylphenol Ethoxylate (7) Ether
CAS No.9036-19-5
Ionic TypeNonionic
Appearance (25°C)Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Active Content≥99%
HLB Value11.7Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance Value
Cloud Point25~35 °C1% Aqueous Solution
pH Value5.0~7.01% Aqueous Solution
Surface TensionApprox. 30 mN/m0.1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approx. 0.2 mmol/L25°C
Density1.05~1.07 g/cm³25°C
Kinematic ViscosityApprox. 250 mm²/s25°C
Refractive Index1.485~1.49020°C
Flash Point (Closed Cup)Approx. 230°C
Freezing Point<-10°C
Moisture Content≤1.0%
Hydroxyl ValueApprox. 109 mg KOH/g
Acid Value≤1 mg KOH/g
Free Alcohol≤1%
Foaming CharacteristicsLow Foaming
SolubilityEasily soluble in oil and water
Alkali ResistanceAlkali Resistant
Heavy Metals≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic≤2 mg/kg

Data Source Note: The above data are from Guoli Chemical's OP-7 product factory inspection standards. Some data (such as surface tension and CMC) are typical values, and actual batches may have slight fluctuations. Please refer to the product COA for details.

Application Recommendations

OP-7 has an extremely wide range of applications. The following are typical uses in various fields and recommended dosage references:

  • Industrial and Household Liquid Detergents: Used as an efficient wetting and emulsifying component in dishwashing detergents, hard surface cleaners, floor cleaners, recommended addition amount 2%~8%. Its low foaming property makes it especially suitable for automatic dishwashers and high-pressure spray cleaning systems.
  • Textile Industry Pre-treatment: Provides excellent detergency and degreasing effects in desizing, scouring, bleaching, and after-soaping of grey fabrics, while acting as a leveling agent to ensure uniform dyeing. Recommended dosage 0.5~3 g/L (bath ratio 1:10~1:20), adjusted according to fabric type and soil level.
  • Pesticide Water-Based Formulations and Emulsifiable Concentrates: As an emulsifier for oil-in-water emulsions (EW), microemulsions (ME), and emulsifiable concentrates (EC), promoting stable dispersion of the active ingredient in the system and enhancing the spreading and penetration of the spray liquid on crop surfaces. Recommended dosage 3%~8% of the total formulation, with better results when compounded with anionic emulsifiers.
  • Emulsion Polymerization: Used as a monomer pre-emulsification and polymerization stabilizer in systems such as acrylates, styrene-acrylic, and vinyl acetate-acrylic. Recommended dosage 0.5%~2% of total monomers, effectively controlling latex particle size and improving polymerization stability.
  • Metal Surface Cleaning and Degreasing: Used in acid/alkaline cleaning systems to quickly wet metal surfaces and remove processing oils, rust preventive oils. Recommended for use with ultrasonic or spray cleaning processes, dosage 1%~5% (working solution).
  • Metalworking Fluid Additives: Acts as an emulsifier and dispersant in cutting fluids and grinding fluids, improving cooling performance during machining. Recommended addition amount 0.5%~3%.
  • Paper and Leather Degreasing and Wetting: Accelerates penetration of treatment chemicals in pulping, promoting resin removal; improves treatment uniformity in leather soaking and degreasing processes. Recommended dosage 0.2%~1% (based on dry leather weight or oven-dry pulp weight).

Compounding Recommendation: OP-7 can be well compounded with anionic surfactants (such as LAS, AES, SDS) and cationic surfactants, remaining stable in both acidic and alkaline systems. Its HLB value of 11.7 makes it suitable as an O/W emulsifier, compatible with lower HLB surfactants.