Guangzhou Eric Wei Chemical Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Eric Wei Chemical Co., Ltd.

BASF Lutensol A 3N Surfactants

BASF Lutensol A 3N is a nonionic surfactant from BASF’s Lutensol A series, featuring alcohol ethoxylate chemistry with ~3 EO units. It offers excellent wetting, emulsification and low-foaming performance in industrial cleaners, agrochemicals and textile auxiliaries. Renowned for its biodegradability, stability in hard water and compatibility with other actives, it supports sustainable formulation design across demanding applications.
  • basf lutensol a 3n surfactants_dffac8c6
  • basf lutensol a 3n surfactants_dffac8c6

Features Of BASF Lutensol A 3N Surfactants

  1. Nonionic alcohol ethoxylate with balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic character for versatile performance.

  2. Excellent wetting and dispersing properties in aqueous systems across a broad pH range.

  3. Good foaming stability and compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants.

  4. Biodegradable formulation aligned with EU Ecolabel and OECD 301 screening criteria.

  5. Low odor, low volatility, and stable under typical storage conditions (5–40 °C).

Typical Applications Of BASF Lutensol A 3N Surfactants

  1. Household and industrial liquid detergents and all-purpose cleaners.

  2. Textile auxiliaries for scouring, dye leveling, and emulsification of oil-based finishes.

  3. Agrochemical formulations including EC (emulsifiable concentrate) and SC (suspension concentrate) products.

  4. Paints and coatings as a stabilizer for pigment dispersions and latex emulsions.

  5. Personal care cleansing bases where mildness and clarity are required.

Specifications Of BASF Lutensol A 3N Surfactants

Chemical TypeAlcohol ethoxylate (C13–C15 linear alcohol, ~3 mol EO)
Product FormLiquid
AppearancePale yellow to colorless, clear liquid
pH (1% aqueous solution, 20 °C)5.5–7.0
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)Approx. 38–42 °C
Active Content (wt. %)99–100%
Density (20 °C)0.96–0.98 g/cm³
Viscosity (20 °C)150–300 mPa·s


BASF Lutensol A 3N Surfactants – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary chemical nature of Lutensol A 3N?

A: Lutensol A 3N is a nonionic surfactant based on alkylphenol ethoxylate chemistry, specifically derived from nonylphenol and approximately three moles of ethylene oxide. It exhibits good water solubility at room temperature and demonstrates typical nonionic behavior, including cloud point sensitivity and low foaming characteristics.


Q2: In which types of industrial cleaning formulations is Lutensol A 3N commonly used?

A: It is frequently employed in aqueous metal cleaning, industrial degreasers, and hard-surface cleaners where moderate emulsification, soil suspension, and compatibility with alkaline builders are required. Its low-foam profile makes it suitable for spray cleaning and high-pressure systems.


Q3: How does Lutensol A 3N perform in hard water conditions?

A: As a nonionic surfactant, Lutensol A 3N maintains stable performance in the presence of calcium and magnesium ions, showing minimal loss of activity compared to many anionic surfactants. Its efficiency may be further enhanced when combined with appropriate chelating agents in demanding water hardness environments.


Q4: Is Lutensol A 3N compatible with common co-surfactants and additives?

A: Yes — it shows broad compatibility with anionic surfactants (e.g., LAS, AES), other nonionics (e.g., alcohol ethoxylates), solvents, corrosion inhibitors, and alkaline builders such as sodium metasilicate or sodium carbonate. Compatibility testing under specific formulation conditions is recommended to confirm stability and performance.


Q5: What is the typical dosage range for Lutensol A 3N in finished formulations?

A: Dosage depends on formulation requirements and application intensity, but it is generally used at low concentrations — typically ranging from 0.1% to 2% by weight in ready-to-use cleaning products. Optimal levels should be determined through application-specific performance testing.



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