IGEPAL™ CA-630 is a homologous series of octylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy)ethanols used for the solubilizing and isolation of membrane proteins.
The Igepal CA surfactants are all derived from the same hydrophobic starting material, octylphenol. By increasing the amount of hydrophilic substances, ethylene oxide, combined with the octylphenol, a series of products with different hydrophobic-hydrophilic balances is obtained. Since changes in the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance produce important variations in wetting detergency, emulsification, solubility, or foam, the selection of the proper balance becomes important. The Igepal CA series offers a wide range of balances, but in some applications it may be advantageous to mix two or more of the products for a specific use.