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Ethoxylated 2-propylheptyl alcohol

  • Nonionic surfactants
  • CAS 160875-66-1
  • IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-(2-propylheptyl)-omega-hydroxy

Ethoxylated 2-propylheptyl alcohol (CAS 160875-66-1) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).

GHS-classified with H318 (Serious Eye Damage Cat 1) at the product mixture level due to its presence as an emulsifier in silicone dressings. At 0–2% concentrations in the final formulation, the primary concern is contact with the emulsion rather than the ingredient in isolation. Low oral and inhalation toxicity; mild-to-moderate skin irritant depending on concentration.

This ethoxylated alcohol surfactant (CAS 160875-66-1) is a non-ionic emulsifier used to stabilize water-based silicone emulsions in automotive protectants and dressings. At the low concentrations present in final formulations (typically 0–2%), it primarily serves to keep the silicone polymer dispersed in water. The compound carries aquatic toxicity data (LC50 3.2–3.6 mg/L, fish, 96h) indicating aquatic Cat 2 concern at ingredient level. SDS §12 disclosures for this class of ethoxylated alcohols frequently include fish-toxicity data even when the mixture-level SDS has no H4xx classification.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Non-ionic ethoxylated alcohol surfactant used as an emulsifier for water-based silicone emulsions. Stabilizes oil-in-water dispersions of polydimethylsiloxane.

Common questions about Ethoxylated 2-propylheptyl alcohol

What is Ethoxylated 2-propylheptyl alcohol used for in car care?
Non-ionic ethoxylated alcohol surfactant used as an emulsifier for water-based silicone emulsions. Stabilizes oil-in-water dispersions of polydimethylsiloxane.
Is Ethoxylated 2-propylheptyl alcohol a VOC?
No. Ethoxylated 2-propylheptyl alcohol is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Ethoxylated 2-propylheptyl alcohol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Ethoxylated 2-propylheptyl alcohol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

2 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.