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

Uses

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).

Synthesis

Nonoxynol 9 can be produced by the temperature-catalyzed condensation of nonylphenol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide.