Nonylphenol

Nonylphenol is a family of organic compounds that are related to alkylphenols. They are produced in large volumes for use in producing antioxidants, lubricating oil additives, laundry and dish detergents, emulsifiers, and solvents. Their main uses are as an intermediate in the manufacture of the non-ionic surfactants nonylphenol exthoxylates, which are used in detergents, paints, pesticides, personal care products, and plastics. Nonylphenol and its ethoxylates are xenoestrogens.

Production and uses

Nonylphenols are produced from the alkylation of phenol with a mixture of nonenes. This mixture is also responsible for the complex mixture of nonylphenols. The mixture of nonylphenols is converted to the corresponding nonylphenol ethoxylates by treatment with ethylene oxide. From the standpoint of commerce, the most important member of the nonylphenol family is p-nonylphenol, which is prepared from a specific nonene, namely polypropylene trimer.

Environmental and health effects

Nonylphenols, as a group of xenoestrogens, are pervasive pollutants. Because of the lipophilic properties of nonylphenols, they tend to accumulate in the environment. Moreover, they are degraded slowly. This combination of traits causes nonylphenols to be bioaccumulative.

Nonylphenols are also classified as persistent organic pollutants in the environment. They are considered to be priority hazardous substances by the European Union.

Regulation

In the European Union, nonylphenols are classified as "Substances of Very High Concern" and are subject to regulation. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency has also targeted nonylphenols as a priority for risk management.

See also

• Alkylphenols
• Xenoestrogens
• Persistent organic pollutant

Nonylphenol Resources
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