NONOXYNOL 9

Synonym(s):α-(4-Nonylphenyl)-ω-hydroxynona(oxyethylene);2-(4-Nonylphenoxy)ethanol;26-(Nonylphenoxy)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24-octaoxahexacosan-1-ol

CAS NO.：14409-72-4
Empirical Formula: C33H60O10
Molecular Weight: 616.82
MDL number: MFCD00868068
EINECS: 216-653-1
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-08-05 19:35:02

What is NONOXYNOL 9?

Description

Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) is a typical surfactant used as a vaginal spermicide. Spermicides are locally acting non-hormonal contraceptives. When present in the vagina during intercourse, they immobilize/inactivate/damage and/or kill sperms without eliciting systemic effects. N-9 has been in use for more than 30 years as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug in creams, gels, foams and condom lubricants. It is the most commonly used spermicidal contraceptive in the UK and the USA. In several European countries, spermicides are no longer on the market.

Chemical properties

Clear Colourless Oil

The Uses of NONOXYNOL 9

Nonoxynol 9 is a reagent used to prepare compounds that show spermacidal activity. It is also a polyoxyethylene surfactant that shows toxicity to certain wildlife. Ranges from 5-15 ethyleneoxy moiety.

Definition

ChEBI: Nonoxynol 9 is a tergitol polymer consisting of nonylbenzene with a nine-membered poly(ethylene glycol) moiety attached at position 4. It has a role as a nonionic surfactant and a contraceptive drug.

brand name

Conceptrol (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Emko (Schering-Plough HealthCare); Gynol II (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Intercept (Ortho Pharmaceutical); Semicid (Whitehall-Robins); Today Sponge (Whitehall-Robins).

Properties of NONOXYNOL 9

Density	1.044
storage temp.	Refrigerator
solubility	Chloroform(Slightly), Ethyl Acetate (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly)
form	Oil
Boiling point:	662.1±55.0 °C(Predicted)
pka	14.36±0.10(Predicted)
color	Clear Colourless
CAS DataBase Reference	14409-72-4(CAS DataBase Reference)

Safety information for NONOXYNOL 9

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07 Health Hazard GHS08 Environment GHS09
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H372:Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure H411:Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard
Precautionary Statement Codes	P273:Avoid release to the environment. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.