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Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 68439-46-3
  • IUPAC: Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxylated

Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated (CAS 68439-46-3) appears in 21 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

H302 (harmful if swallowed), H312 (harmful in skin contact), H318 (serious eye damage) at ingredient level. At product-level dilutions in detergent formulations, primary concern is eye contact. Skin sensitization not classified.

Ethoxylated C9–C11 alcohols are nonionic surfactants derived from petrochemical or oleochemical alcohols and ethylene oxide. They appear in a wide range of cleaning and detailing products as emulsifiers, wetting agents, and coupling agents. The ethoxylation degree (number of ethylene oxide units) governs HLB and foaming behavior.

At product concentrations (1–10%), the primary hazard is eye and skin irritation. At ingredient level, serious eye damage (H318) classification reflects undiluted ingredient testing.

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 wetting and emulsifying surfactant; broad surface compatibility, low-foaming

Common questions about Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated

What is Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated used for in car care?
Nonionic wetting and emulsifying surfactant; broad surface compatibility, low-foaming
Is Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated a VOC?
No. Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated biodegradable?
Yes. Alcohols, C9-C11 Ethoxylated has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

21 products contain this

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.