IGEPAL CA-630 is a nonionic, non-denaturing detergent

Detergent

A detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with "cleaning properties in dilute solutions." In common usage, "detergent" refers to alkylbenzenesulfonates, a family of compounds that are similar to soap but are less affected by hard water...

. Its official IUPAC name is octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. IGEPAL is a registered trademark of Rhodia

Rhodia (company)

Rhodia is a group specialized in fine chemistry, synthetic fibers and polymers. Rhodia is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange on NYSE Euronext. The company services the consumer goods, automotive, energy, manufacturing and processes and electronics markets...

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IGEPAL CA-630 is sold by Sigma-Aldrich

Sigma-Aldrich

Sigma-Aldrich Corporation , is a life science and high technology company with over 7,600 employees and operations in 40 countries. Its chemical and biochemical products and kits are used in scientific research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease, and as key...

 and serves as a "chemically indistinguishable" substitute for Nonidet P-40

Nonidet P-40

Nonidet P-40 is a nonionic, non-denaturing detergent. Its official IUPAC name is octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. Nonidet is a trademark of Shell Chemical Co....

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All IGPAL CA surfactants are derived from octylphenol. This serves as the hydrophobic part. Now different amounts of ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide

Ethylene oxide, also called oxirane, is the organic compound with the formula . It is a cyclic ether. This means that it is composed of two alkyl groups attached to an oxygen atom in a cyclic shape . This colorless flammable gas with a faintly sweet odor is the simplest epoxide, a three-membered...

are combined with this part to get a balance of hydrophobic/hydrophilic substances. This balance has an important impact on wetting detergency, foam, solubility, emulsification.

CA-630 e.g. has nine ethylene oxides and thus a ratio of 65%. It is used as detergent in paper industry, hand cleaners, metal cleaners. The solubility in water depends on the amount of ethylene oxides. CA-530 e.g. forms dispersions in water. Ca-630 is soluble in water as a crystal clear solution.

Human Toxicity

CA-630 is not a primary skin irritant nor sensitizer. However, it is a severe eye irritant. Eye protection should be worn upon handling, and if eyes are contaminated plenty of water should be used to wash out the irritant.