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Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated)

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 78330-21-9
  • IUPAC: Alcohols, C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated

Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated) (CAS 78330-21-9) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Nonionic surfactant with no GHS hazard classification at use concentrations in car care products. May cause mild eye or skin irritation in neat form; at diluted product concentrations this is not a concern. Not Prop 65 listed.

Iso-tridecanol ethoxylate (CAS 78330-21-9) is a nonionic surfactant in the alcohol ethoxylate family. Used in quick detailers and waterless wash formulas as an emulsifier and wetting agent to help the formula spread uniformly. The C13-rich branch refers to the most common carbon chain length in the blend. This class of ethoxylated alcohols is generally considered readily biodegradable and has no aquatic toxicity at the concentrations used in car care applications. It is not classified for reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity, or other systemic effects.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant — emulsifier and wetting agent that helps the formula spread evenly across paint surfaces

Common questions about Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated)

What is Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated) used for in car care?
Nonionic surfactant — emulsifier and wetting agent that helps the formula spread evenly across paint surfaces
Is Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated) a VOC?
No. Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated) biodegradable?
Yes. Iso-Tridecanol Ethoxylate (Alcohols C11-14-iso-, C13-rich, ethoxylated) has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product 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.