Isodecyl Alcohol Ethoxylate (IAE) is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the class of ethoxylated branched fatty alcohols. It is produced by the ethoxylation reaction between isodecyl alcohol (C10, branched-chain) and ethylene oxide (EO). Due to its unique molecular structure, it serves as an effective wetting agent, emulsifier, solubilizer, and dispersant in a wide variety of formulations.

Chemical Structure of Isodecyl Alcohol Ethoxylate

General Formula: R–(OCH₂CH₂)ₙ–OH

R: Branched isodecyl (C10) alkyl chain
n: Number of ethylene oxide units (typically between 3 and 10, or more depending on the grade)

The molecule consists of a hydrophobic branched isodecyl segment and a hydrophilic ethoxylated chain, giving it dual functionality. This structural balance makes Isodecyl Alcohol Ethoxylate a highly efficient nonionic surfactant with controlled foaming, excellent compatibility, and strong wetting performance.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Description / Value
Odor	Mild, similar to fatty alcohol
Surfactant Type	Nonionic
pH (1% solution)	Approximately 6–8
Foaming tendency	Low to medium — ideal for low-foam industrial cleaning systems
Hard water stability	Excellent; resistant to Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions
Cloud point	40–70 °C (depending on EO content)
Viscosity	Moderate; increases at lower temperatures
Thermal & chemical stability	High; resistant to hydrolysis, acids, and alkalis
Biodegradability	High (especially in natural, non-petroleum-based grades)
Compatibility	Excellent with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants
Flash point	May be flammable in solvent-based grades

Applications of Isodecyl Alcohol Ethoxylate

Industrial and Household Cleaning

Effective wetting agent for hard surfaces
Used in low-foam industrial detergents and cleaners

Agriculture

Acts as an emulsifier and dispersant in pesticide and foliar fertilizer formulations
Enhances absorption of active ingredients through leaf surfaces by reducing surface tension

Textile and Dyeing Industry

Functions as a primary wetting agent during fiber preparation and dyeing
Serves as a co-emulsifier to stabilize aqueous pigment dispersions

Paints and Resins

Efficient dispersing agent in water-based paints, promoting uniform pigment distribution
Improves surface wetting and reduces surface tension in waterborne coatings

Advantages of Isodecyl Alcohol Ethoxylate

Controlled foaming, ideal for industrial systems
Excellent stability across a wide pH range and in hard water
High biodegradability (especially in natural-origin grades)
Superb compatibility with other surfactants (anionic, cationic, amphoteric)
Outstanding resistance to heat, acids, bases, and oxidizing agents
Enhances leaf absorption of active ingredients in agricultural applications

Disadvantages and Limitations

Certain grades may need to be blended with foaming surfactants for specific applications
May become cloudy or viscous at low temperatures (due to the cloud point effect)
Can cause skin or eye irritation at high concentrations
Solvent-based grades may be flammable