Skip to content
CarCareTruth

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy-

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

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy- (CAS 160875-66-1) appears in 3 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Eye Damage Category 1 (H318) at neat concentration. At product-level dilution below 3%, the mixture classification typically reduces to Eye Irritation Category 2 (H319) per GHS additive dilution rules.

A nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactant based on 2-propylheptanol (a C10 Guerbet alcohol). Used as a wetting and emulsifying agent in silicone-water emulsion products. Classified as Eye Damage Category 1 (H318) at neat concentration, but at typical product-use concentrations below 3%, the mixture classification reduces to Eye Irritation Category 2 (H319). This is an environmentally preferable alternative to nonylphenol ethoxylates, with confirmed biodegradability.

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
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Nonionic surfactant / wetting agent

Common questions about Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy-

What is Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy- used for in car care?
Nonionic surfactant / wetting agent
Is Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy- a VOC?
No. Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy- is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy- on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy- is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy- biodegradable?
Yes. Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-propylheptyl)-ω-hydroxy- has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

3 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.