Triton X-100: A Fragrance Carrier?

Triton X-100 is a nonionic surfactant with a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chain and a lipophilic or hydrophobic hydrocarbon group. It is commonly used as a detergent in laboratories and households, and is known for its ability to lyse cells and extract proteins. With its mild detergent properties, it is often used in biochemical applications. However, it is unclear if Triton X-100 is suitable for use in fragrances. Fragrances typically contain a combination of aromatic compounds and essential oils, and while Triton X-100 can be an effective dispersant and emulsifier for oil-in-water systems, its compatibility with fragrance creation is uncertain.

Triton X-100 as a fragrance ingredient

Triton X-100 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier commonly used in a variety of applications, from household and industrial cleaning products to pharmaceutical manufacturing. However, there is no mention of its use in fragrances.

As a surfactant, Triton X-100 has the ability to lower surface tension and act as a wetting agent, making it useful in detergents and cleaning agents. It is also used in laboratories for lysing cells to extract proteins and organelles, and for permeabilizing cell membranes. In the pharmaceutical industry, Triton X-100 has been used for viral inactivation, solubilizing inclusion bodies, and reducing endotoxin content during purification.

While Triton X-100 has a variety of applications, its use is regulated due to potential health and environmental concerns. In the European Union, it has been listed as a substance of very high concern under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation due to its endocrine-disrupting properties. The use of Triton X-100 in the pharmaceutical industry is prohibited unless an exemption is granted, and many companies are now seeking alternative options.

In summary, while Triton X-100 is a versatile surfactant and emulsifier, there is no indication of its use in fragrances. Its application is limited due to health and environmental concerns, and companies are actively searching for alternative options.

Safety regulations for Triton X-100

Triton X-100 is a non-ionic surfactant commonly used in laboratory settings and industrial cleaning. It is also used in cosmetics and personal care products, as well as in agricultural and oil and gas industry applications.

Triton X-100 is considered harmful if swallowed and may cause long-term adverse effects on aquatic organisms. It is also harmful to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It may also be harmful if absorbed through the skin and can cause gastrointestinal and central nervous system issues if ingested.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

To handle Triton X-100, it is recommended to use chemical-resistant gloves (such as nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, a lab coat or apron, and a mask or respirator in poorly ventilated areas.

Storage

Triton X-100 should be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat, flames, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents.

Spill and Leak Management

In the event of a spill or leak, use absorbent materials like sand or vermiculite to contain the spill. Dispose of the spill according to local environmental regulations, and avoid washing it into drains or water systems.

First Aid Measures

If Triton X-100 comes into contact with the skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. For eye contact, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water and consult a physician if symptoms persist. In the case of inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical assistance if breathing is difficult. If ingested, do not induce vomiting and contact a doctor immediately.

Fire Hazards

Triton X-100 is combustible under extreme heat and emits toxic fumes when burned. In the event of a fire, use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers, and avoid using water jets.

Triton X-100 alternatives

Triton X-100 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier commonly used in laboratory settings for cell lysis and protein extraction. It is also used in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, as an ingredient in vaccines, and in cleaning compounds.

However, Triton X-100 has been classified as a substance of very high concern by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) due to its ecotoxicity, particularly its hormone-like activity that may negatively impact wildlife. As a result, manufacturers, importers, and users in the EU are required to replace this detergent. Here are some alternatives to Triton X-100:

Tergitol ™ 15-S-9

Tergitol ™ 15-S-9 is a biodegradable alternative to Triton X-100. It is a non-ionic detergent that contains a secondary ethoxylated alcohol group, creating a “T”-shaped molecular structure. Tergitol is quickly and easily soluble, odorless, and compatible with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic detergents. It is also easily biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Igepal CA-630

Igepal CA-630 is closely related to Triton X-100 and is often used in laboratory settings. It has a slightly shorter ethylene oxide chain, making it less hydrophilic than Triton X-100. This difference means that they may not be considered functionally interchangeable for all applications.

Nereid

Nereid is a novel compound identified as an alternative to Triton X-100 for antiviral treatment in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. It is similar to the Triton X-100 family but has a small molecular difference that prevents it from degrading into phenolic compounds. Nereid has shown similar virus-inactivating performance to Triton X-100 at room temperature and has even shown better results in some cold-temperature processes.

Other Detergents

Other detergents that can be used as alternatives to Triton X-100 include Tween-20, Tween-80, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), deoxycholate, cholate, and sarkosyl. These detergents have different properties and applications, so the specific requirements of the experiment or process should be considered when choosing an alternative.

Triton X-100 solubility

Triton X-100 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier commonly used in biochemical applications to solubilize proteins. It is a comparatively mild detergent and is non-denaturing. It is also used for DNA extraction.

Triton X-100 is soluble at 25 °C in water, toluene, xylene, trichloroethylene, ethylene glycol, ethyl ether, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethylene dichloride. It is insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons like kerosene, mineral spirits, and naphtha, unless a coupling agent like oleic acid is used. Triton X-100 has a lower surface tension, excellent wetting ability, and is biodegradable. It also has good chemical stability in most acidic and alkaline solutions and is compatible with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants.

Triton X-100 is closely related to IGEPAL CA-630, which differs mainly in having slightly shorter ethylene oxide chains. As a result, Triton X-100 is slightly more hydrophilic than IGEPAL CA-630, and these two detergents may not be considered functionally interchangeable for most applications.

Triton X-100 has various applications, including its use in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals, as an ingredient in influenza vaccines, and in the plating of metals. It is also used in laboratories for lysing cells to extract proteins or organelles and for permeabilizing the membranes of living cells.

While Triton X-100 is a versatile and effective surfactant, it is important to note that it has been listed as a substance of very high concern by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) due to its potential impact on human health and the environment.

Industrial uses of Triton X-100

Triton X-100 is a non-ionic surfactant with a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chain and a lipophilic or hydrophobic hydrocarbon group. It is widely used in both industrial and laboratory settings.

Triton X-100 is used in a variety of industrial applications due to its effectiveness as a cleaning agent, emulsifier, and dispersant. Here are some specific uses:

• Household and Industrial Cleaners: Triton X-100 is a common ingredient in heavy-duty industrial cleaners and gentle detergents. It is known for its ability to remove grease and grime.
• Paints and Coatings: It is used in paints and coatings to improve the dispersion of pigments and additives, resulting in a more uniform coating.
• Pulp and Paper Processing: It is useful in pulp and paper processing due to its excellent emulsification and dispersion properties.
• Oil and Spill Remediation: Triton X-100 helps break down oil slicks, facilitating easier cleanup and reducing the environmental impact of oil spills.
• Agricultural Emulsifier: It can act as an emulsifier in agricultural settings, aiding in the mixing of oils and water.
• Waterless Hand Cleaners: It is also used as an ingredient in waterless hand cleaning products.
• Metal Plating: It is used in the industrial process of plating metals.
• Photographic Processing: Triton X-100 is an ingredient in Photo-Flo, a solution used in photographic processing to prevent water minerals from being deposited on the film during drying.

Safety and Regulation

Triton X-100 has been the subject of regulatory scrutiny due to its potential impact on the environment and wildlife. In 2012, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) included the substance group to which Triton X-100 belongs in the Candidate List of substances of very high concern. This led to the pharmaceutical and other industries being mandated to replace this detergent by January 4, 2021.

Frequently asked questions