Nonoxynols | |
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2-[2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethanol |
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Other names
ethoxylated nonylphenol; (nonylphenoxy)polyethyleneoxide |
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Identifiers | |
CAS number | 9016-45-9 |
PubChem | 24773 |
ChemSpider | 23159 |
ChEMBL | CHEMBL194034 |
Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
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Properties | |
Molecular formula | C19H32O3 |
Molar mass | 308.45558 |
Hazards | |
LD50 | 4 g/kg |
(verify) (what is: / ?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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Infobox references |
Nonoxynols or nonylphenol ethoxylates are mixtures of nonionic surfactants used as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, defoaming agents, etc. nonoxynol-9, the compound with approximately 9 repeating ethoxy groups, is a spermatocide, formulated primarily as a component of vaginal foams and creams. Arkopal-N60, with on average 6 ethylene glycol units is a related used surfactant.
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These compounds are produced by ethoxylation of alkylphenols. The precursor nonylphenol is derived from phenol and a mixture of nonenes.
Concerns about the environmental impact of these compounds has increased since the 1990s. These surfactants have a mild to medium estrogenic function.[1] Consequently, this class of detergents has been effectively restricted for commercial "down-the-drain" applications in Europe, and these compounds are not found in laundry detergents in the USA.[2]
A 2011 investigation found residual levels of nonylphenol ethoxylates in samples of clothing from 14 brands sold in the U.S. (where this product is banned), including Adidas, Uniqlo, Calvin Klein, H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lacoste, Converse and Ralph Lauren. [3] [4]