Pentaethylene glycol monodecyl ether (CAS 23244-49-7)

Pentaethylene glycol monodecyl ether, a surfactant in the polyethylene glycol ethers category, is characterized by its amphiphilic structure that combines a hydrophobic decyl tail with a hydrophilic head of five ethylene glycol units. This molecular design enables it to effectively reduce surface and interfacial tensions, facilitating the blending and stabilization of otherwise immiscible phases. Its operational mechanism involves the alignment of the hydrophilic head towards aqueous environments and the hydrophobic tail towards organic substances, promoting emulsion stability and dispersion. In research, this compound is particularly valued for its role in the synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles, where it prevents particle aggregation and ensures uniformity in size distribution, critical for the development of advanced nanomaterials. Moreover, its surfactant properties are exploited in the study of lipid bilayers and membrane dynamics, aiding in the solubilization and functional analysis of membrane proteins without altering their natural state. Pentaethylene glycol monodecyl ether′s ability to manage hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions makes it essential in creating innovative solutions in materials science, contributing significantly to advancements in both academic and industrial research settings.