Synonym(s)
.alpha-(2-octyldodecyl)-.omega-hydroxy- (20 mol EO average molar ratio); CAS number: 32128-65-7; poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Octyl dodecether(s)" are the polyoxyethylene ethers of octyl dodecanol (for comparison see: laurethe as polyoxyethylene ether of lauryl alcohol; steareth as polyoxyethylene ether of stearyl alcohol, etc.). In the name of octyldodecethes, the inserted numbering means the average number of ethylene oxide units per mole. Octyldodeceth -20 is the INCI designation for a polyoxyethylene ether with 20 ethylene oxide units per mol.
Octyldodeceth-20 is used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as surfactant (washing-active substance) and as emulsifier (changes the interfacial tension of liquids like water and oil so that they can be mixed together). Furthermore the substance has a cleansing effect on the body surface.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer