Merck
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Using Surfactants like
Triton™ X-100?

The REACH clock is ticking.


The REACH Annex XIV sunset date was January 4, 2021. After this date, octylphenol ethoxylates (OPEs) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) cannot be used unless authorization was granted by the authorities or the intended use is exempted from authorization.

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Update regarding “Latest Application Date” and “Sunset Date”:
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, the European Union has enacted changes that affect the “Latest Application Date” and “Sunset date” for the substance group 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated for COVID-19 related uses. Please refer to the Official Journal of the European Union for more information.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) established REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of Chemicals), to address the production, import and use of chemical substances and their potential impacts on human health and the environment. In December 2012 the substance group “4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated [covering well defined substances and UVCB substances, polymers and homologues]”, including Triton™ X-100, were added to the candidate list by ECHA: ECHA Entry for 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated. Octylphenol ethoxylates (OPE) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) are included in the European Authorisation list (Annex XIV) of REACH. This has implications on the availability of these substances for EU manufacturers, importers, and downstream users as well as non-European manufacturers exporting their products into the EU.

In the Application Note “Comparison of Greener Detergents in Mammalian Cell Lysis & Downstream Applications”, the capabilities of alternative detergents for effective mammalian cell lysis and downstream applications were assessed and compared to detergents commonly used.

This information expresses only the intention of the sender and does not constitute a binding obligation. While the information has been provided to the best of our knowledge, no representations or warranties are made with regard to its completeness or accuracy. Except for any mandatory statutory liability, no liability will be accepted for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the information unless the damages were caused by grossly negligent or willful behavior. Existing laws and regulations are to be observed in all cases by our customers. This also applies in respect to any rights of third parties. Our information and advice do not relieve our customers of their own responsibility for checking the suitability of our products for the envisaged purpose.

Triton is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company or an affiliated company of Dow.


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