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Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 69227-22-1
  • IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-(C10-16 alkyl)-omega-hydroxy- (propoxylated)

CarCareTruth tracks Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated (CAS 69227-22-1) as a car-care ingredient. It is readily biodegradable.

At ingredient level: H302 (Harmful if swallowed — Acute Oral Tox Cat 4) and H318 (Causes serious eye damage — Cat 1). At diluted product level, the H318 ingredient concentration (1–2.5%) typically does not meet the mixture threshold for GHS H318 classification, resulting in H319 (eye irritation) at the product level.

Alcohols, C10-16, ethoxylated propoxylated (CAS 69227-22-1) is a nonionic surfactant formed by reacting C10-C16 alcohols with both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. The combined ethoxylation and propoxylation improves wetting properties and compatibility with hard water compared to ethoxylate-only variants.

Health profile: At the ingredient level, the GHS classification includes H302 (harmful if swallowed, acute oral Cat 4) and H318 (causes serious eye damage, Cat 1). At typical product use concentrations (1–2.5%), the mixture-level classification is usually H319 (eye irritation Cat 2) rather than H318, because the concentration falls below the mixture cut-off for Cat 1 eye damage. Always check §2 of the product SDS rather than inferring from the ingredient classification alone.

Environmental profile: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions, but documented aquatic toxicity at ingredient level. Does not bioaccumulate. Not a PFAS. The propoxylation adds moderate hydrophobicity, which can slightly increase persistence compared to straight-chain ethoxylates, but the compound is generally considered environmentally acceptable at typical use concentrations.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant and wetting agent; emulsifies oils and aids in cleaning glass and hard surfaces

Common questions about Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated

What is Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated used for in car care?
Nonionic surfactant and wetting agent; emulsifies oils and aids in cleaning glass and hard surfaces
Is Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated a VOC?
No. Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated biodegradable?
Yes. Alcohols, C10-16, Ethoxylated Propoxylated has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

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Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.