| Description |
The general formula of nonoxynols is C9H19C6H4(OCH2CH2)nOH. Each nonoxynol is characterized by the number (n) of ethylene oxide repeated in the chain. They are present in detergents, liquid soaps, emulsifiers for creams, fabric softeners, photo graphie paper additives, hair dyes, lubricating oils, spermicides and anti-infective agents. They are irritants and sensitizers. |
| Chemical Properties |
Clear, colourless or light yellow, viscous liquid. |
| Originator |
Ortho-Delfen ,Cilag,France,1971 |
| Uses |
Nonoxynol-6 was reported as a sensitizing agent in an industrial hand cleanser and in a crackindicating fluid used in ilie metal industry. Nonoxynol- 9 is most commonly used as a preservative in topical antiseptics or in spermicides. Nonoxynol-10 was reported as a UV-B photosensitizer. Nonoxynol-12 (nonylphenol ethoxylate) caused contact dermatitis in a domestic cleaner who used a polish containing it. |
| Uses |
spermatocide, contraceptive |
| Manufacturing Process |
220 parts of isononylphenol prepared by condensation of phenol with an olefin mixture obtained by polymerization of propylene and containing essentially isononylenes are caused to react with 0.5 part of caustic alkali powder. The whole is heated to about 130°C to 135°C and the water formed is removed under reduced pressure, while stirring. Thereupon, ethylene oxide is introduced into the melt, while well stirring, during which operation care must be taken, that the temperature of the reaction mass is maintained between 180°C and 200°C. When about 300 parts of ethylene oxide are taken up, the reaction is interrupted. A water-soluble oil is obtained. |
| Brand name |
Conceptrol (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Emko (Schering-Plough HealthCare); Gynol II (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Intercept (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Semicid (Whitehall-Robins); Today Sponge (Whitehall-Robins). |
| Therapeutic Function |
Spermatocide (vaginal) |
| Contact allergens |
Their general formula is C9H19C6H4(OCH2CH2)nOH. Each nonoxynol is characterized by the number (n) of ethylene oxide units repeated in the chain; for example, nonoxynol-9, nonoxynol-14. They are present in detergents, liquid soaps, emulsifiers for creams, fabric softeners, photographic paper additives, hair dyes, lubricating oils, spermicides, and antiinfective agents. They are irritants and sensitizers. Nonoxynol-6 was reported as a sensitizing agent in an industrial hand cleanser and in a crack-indicating fluid in the metal industry. Nonoxynol-9 is the most commonly used, as a preservative in topical antiseptics or in spermicides, acting as a iodophor in PVP-iodine solutions. Nonoxynol-10 was reported as a UVB-photosensitizer. Nonoxynol-12 caused contact dermatitis in a domestic cleaner who used a polish containing it. |
| Safety Profile |
Poison by intraperitoneal route. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. An active ingredient in contraceptive jelhes, foams, and creams. Combustible when exposed to heat or flames. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ALCOHOLS. |
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