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Nonyl alcohol

(16 products available)

About nonyl alcohol

Types of Nonyl Alcohols

Nonyl alcohol is an organic chemical substance. It is derived from natural oils. However, it can also be produced synthetically through various industrial processes. Nonyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with a long hydrocarbon chain and a functional hydroxyl (–OH) group. This makes it part of the alcohol family.

This compound is used for multiple purposes like chemical manufacturing. It is also applied in cosmetics and personal care products. In addition, nonyl alcohol has a vital role in producing surfactants, which reduce the surface tension of substances.

Nonyl alcohol also comes in different forms. Below are some of the most notable ones:

  • Iso nonyl alcohol

    Also referred to as 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a carbon chain of nine atoms and is branched, for instance, by two ethyl sides from a methyl group. This gives it unique fluidity and solubility features. It is one of the several branched nonyl alcohol isomers with this configuration.

  • 3 nonyl alcohol

    It is a compound with a long carbon chain with a hydroxyl functional group. It is naturally found in several fruit oils. This alcohol is known for its emollient and skin-conditioning benefits. Hence, it is widely used in cosmetic formulations.

  • Cis nonyl alcohol

    Cis nonyl alcohol has a non-carbon hydroxyl chain with a cis configuration double bond. It is majorly used in the production of surface-active agents like detergents and wetting agents.

Industrial Applications of Nonyl Alcohol

Nonyl alcohol refers to an organic compound majorly used in producing surfactants. These are substances that reduce the surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid. It is also used to manufacture plasticizers, which are additives incorporated in plastics for flexibility

That aside, nonyl alcohols have multiple usage across various industries. Here is a breakdown:

  • Cosmetics

    Cosmetic companies integrate nonyl alcohols into lotions, creams, and other formulations. They function as emulsifiers, improving ingredient blending and enhancing formulation stability. They also serve as anti-foaming agents in cosmetics, reducing or eliminating foam during the manufacturing processes of creams, lotions, or liquid makeup without impacting the product's aesthetics or effectiveness.

  • Plastics Industry

    In the plastic manufacturing industry, nonyl alcohol is used to create plasticizers. These are essential additives used in flexibility, durability, and the overall performance of plastic materials. For instance, nonyl alcohol acts as a solvent for both organic and resin. This helps in the dissolution of solids and the even distribution of plasticizers throughout plastic compounds.

  • Textile Industry

    Nonyl alcohols are used as a fiber modifier and wetting agent. This improves the dye uptake of synthetic fibers, resulting in fabrics with improved color brightness and uniformity. They are also used to produce textile finishing agents. These agents enhance water and stain resistance and help modify the texture and feel of fabrics.

  • Agriculture

    Nonyl alcohols are key components in formulating agricultural products such as pesticides and herbicides. Their role as a surfactant improves the spreading and adhesion of these products on plant surfaces. This ensures more efficient delivery and absorption of active ingredients.

  • Industrial Cleaning

    In industrial cleaning, nonyl alcohol is used to develop cleaners and degreasers. For instance, nonyl alcohol is used to create heavy-duty degreasers. These work efficiently by breaking down grease, oil, and other stubborn deposits on machinery and industrial equipment.

Benefits of Nonyl Alcohols

Nonyl alcohol is a versatile fatty alcohol widely used in many industries. It has a number of benefits that make it a viable option for multiple businesses. Here are some of them:

  • Emollient Properties

    Nonyl alcohol is valued for its emollient properties. This makes skin soft and supple. Hence, it is often found in lotions, creams, and other moisturizing products. Its smooth texture allows for easier application and better absorption into the skin.

  • Versatile Industrial Uses

    Nonyl alcohol is prominently used across industries to create nonyl phenol. This is later used to manufacture detergents and surfactants. These are essential components in the agricultural, textile, and industrial cleaning sectors. In these spaces, nonyl alcohol-based surfactants play a key role in improving product effectiveness.

  • Plastic Manufacturing

    In plastic production, nonyl alcohol serves as a key ingredient in creating plasticizers. These are vital additives that enhance flexibility in plastic materials. This makes the nonyl alcohol content in plasticizers vital for manufacturers of cables, flooring, and various PVC-related products. This is because it directly impacts the final product's durability and rigidity.

  • Solvent Properties

    Nonyl alcohol is effective as a solvent. It can dissolve multiple substances ranging from resins and polymers to other organic compounds. Therefore, paint and coating formulation companies utilize nonyl alcohol as a co-solvent to improve the paint's viscosity and application properties.

  • Biodegradable Surfactants

    Nonyl alcohols can create biodegradable surfactants. These are better environmental alternatives for businesses aiming to lower their ecological impact. This is especially crucial in agriculture and industrial cleaning.

Product Specifications and Features of Nonyl Alcohol

Nonyl alcohol has a number of distinct key features that make it a versatile chemical across various industries. Below are its specifications, key features, and technical details:

Key Features

  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Balance

    Like all alcohols, nonyl has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements. These are a long carbon chain and a hydroxyl group, respectively. Because of this, nonyl alcohol can interact with both oil and water. This makes it useful as a surfactant in multiple formulations.

  • Effective Emulsifier

    Users utilize nonyl alcohol as an emulsifying agent. This helps stabilize mixtures of oil and water in lotions, creams, and other cosmetic products. Nonyl alcohol helps maintain texture, consistency, and efficacy over time in these applications.

  • Low Toxicity

    Nonyl alcohol is a safe alcohol with relatively low toxicity. Hence, it is recommended for industries and spaces that deal with human exposure like cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.

  • Plasticizers

    Nonyl alcohol is a crucial component in creating plasticizers. These are additives that enhance the flexibility and durability of plastic materials like PVC. This makes nonyl alcohol essential in industries like construction, automotive, and flooring.

How to Use

Here are ways to apply nonyl alcohol:

  • Creating Nonyl Phenol

    Nonyl alcohol is converted to nonyl phenol by catalyst treatment with phenol. This is how businesses that require nonyl alcohol in bulk use it to manufacture nonyl phenol as the main product. The nonyl phenol is then sold to business buyers who are manufacturers of industrial and household detergents.

  • As a Surfactant

    Similarly, businesses also convert nonyl alcohol to nonyl phenol through hydrogenation. This is done using a catalyst in an autoclave at high temperature and pressure. The resultant nonyl phenol is used to manufacture nonyl sulfonic acid. This is then sold to other businesses for industrial detergents.

  • As an Intermediate

    Manufacturing spaces often use nonyl alcohol to produce alkyl polyglucosides. These are later sold as gentle foaming agents for cosmetics and personal care products to buyers interested in health and cosmetic products.

  • Other Uses

    Other lesser-known industrial uses of nonyl alcohol include using it as a lubricant. For instance, nonyl alcohol is used to manufacture liquid lubricants for metal working. In addition, nonyl alcohol is also used in mineral wool production. This is because it acts as a lubricant for glass fibers during manufacturing.

Technical Details

Technical Details Value
CAS Number 7181-20-0
Formula C9H20O
Molecular Weight 156.25 g/mol
Boiling Point 228-232 °C
Melting Point -30 °C

How to Choose Nonyl Alcohols

When buying industrial alcohol, there are a number of factors decision makers should consider. These factors are tailored to improve the product's suitability for specific business applications. Below are some of these factors:

  • Quality

    Purchasers ought to consider the quality of nonyl alcohol they procure. Quality is often determined by purity. Nonyl alcohol with high purity and low impurities content will be more effective for buyers who use it to manufacture nonyl phenol and other alcohols. In addition, nonyl alcohol with high chemical consistency will have fewer impurities. Hence, it won’t interfere with clients’ product formulations or reactions.

  • Form

    Nonyl alcohol is widely available in both liquid and solid forms. Liquid nonyl alcohol is usually favored by clients who require versatile applications and easy mixing. On the other hand, solid nonyl alcohol is suitable for use in applications requiring high viscosity or formulation stability.

  • Supplier Credentials

    It is important for business buyers to consider the credibility of nonyl alcohol suppliers they intend to partner with. For instance, a buyer should verify whether the supplier has been certified by the relevant bodies in their region. This is to ensure they supply quality products. Stockists should also check whether the supplier has quality consistency records. This ensures they’ll receive the same quality product with every order.

  • Sustainability

    More naturally derived and sustainable nonyl alcohols are very good for business buyers to purchase. They help minimize environmental impact. Such alcohols will be favorable to businesses that prioritize sustainable sourcing for instance in the cosmetic industry.

  • Bulk-Ordering Capability

    Business decision makers should look for suppliers who can provide nonyl alcohol in bulk consistently. Fortunately, this chemical is available in large industrial volumes. Hence, it is suitable for buyers with high-volume requirements.

Q&A

Q.How interchangeable are nonyl alcohol and nonyl acetates?

A.Yes, they are somewhat interchangeable. Nonyl alcohol is a clear liquid with a non-carbon chain and hydroxyl functional group. On the other hand, nonyl acetates are colorless liquids with mild fruity odors. The main difference between these two lies in their oleochemical properties. Nonyl alcohol has an OH functional group. This means it can form acetates during synthesis. Nonyl acetates, on the other hand, are esters synthetic from fatty acids like acetic acid and nonyl alcohol.

Q. How effective are nonyl alcohols when used as emulsifiers in cosmetic products?

A. They are highly effective. Nonyl alcohols have a high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value. This makes them suitable emulsifiers for oil-in-water emulsions. Their high versatility also enables formulators to use them with different types of emulsifiers. This results in enhanced product texture and stability. So, cosmetic grade nonyl alcohols are suitable for creams, lotions, and other moisturizing products where emulsification and stabilization are needed.

Q. What role does nonyl alcohol play in plastic manufacturing?

A.Nonyl alcohol acts as a plasticizer. It contributes to flexibility and durability of plastic material. It also helps mitigate brittleness in PVC-based products. This enhances the overall quality and performance in applications like construction, automotive parts, and flooring.