What Are APG Surfactants?
Alkyl Polyglucosides (APGs) are a class of non-ionic surfactants made from renewable, plant-derived raw materials such as fatty alcohols and glucose. Known for their mildness, biodegradability, and excellent performance in hard water, APGs are widely used in personal care, home care, and industrial cleaning products.
At BookChem, we champion APGs as a key part of the shift toward greener, safer, and more effective surfactant solutions.
How Are APG Surfactants Made?
1. Selection of Raw Materials
The two key ingredients used in APG synthesis are:
- Fatty alcohols (typically C8–C16), derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
- Glucose, typically sourced from corn or wheat starch hydrolysates.
This blend of natural components is the foundation for APG’s green profile.
2. Acid-Catalyzed Glycosidation
The reaction proceeds under acidic conditions:
- Fatty alcohol is reacted with glucose in the presence of an acid catalyst (commonly sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid).
- The reaction temperature is usually maintained between 90–130°C under reduced pressure to minimize side reactions.
This forms monoglycosides and polyglycosides, depending on the reaction control and ratios.
3. Neutralization & Purification
After the glycosidation reaction:
- The mixture is neutralized with an alkaline agent (e.g., sodium hydroxide).
- Unreacted fatty alcohols and by-products are removed through vacuum distillation or other purification steps.
- The final APG product is typically a viscous, slightly yellow liquid with a pleasant natural scent.
Industrial Production Considerations
Key variables that influence the performance and consistency of APG surfactants include:
- Molar ratio of alcohol to glucose
- Degree of polymerization (DP) – typically 1.2–1.5 for commercial products
- Reaction time and temperature
- Choice of catalyst and purification method
BookChem’s technical team ensures precise control over these parameters to offer high-purity APG surfactantstailored to various application needs.
Why Choose APGs from BookChem?
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Renewable Origin | Derived from natural sugars and fatty alcohols |
| Biodegradability | Breaks down easily in the environment |
| Mild & Non-Irritating | Safe for skin, baby care, and sensitive formulations |
| Stable in Hard Water | Maintains foaming and cleaning efficacy |
| Versatile | Suitable for personal care, household, and I&I products |
BookChem: Your Sustainable Surfactant Partner
At BookChem, we are committed to advancing green chemistry. Our APG surfactants reflect our dedication to:
- Environmentally responsible sourcing
- High-performance formulation support
- Custom surfactant blends for evolving market needs
Whether you’re creating a mild baby shampoo or an eco-friendly surface cleaner, APGs are your go-to non-ionic surfactants—and BookChem is your reliable supplier.
Let’s Work Together
Ready to incorporate APG surfactants into your product line?
Contact our technical team to request samples, technical data sheets, or formulation support.
