Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates

Endpoint summary

Additional information

There are no data available for the biodegradation of Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates (CAS 106233-09-4). In order to fulfill the standard information requirements set out in Annex VIII, in accordance with Annex XI, 1.5, of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, read-across from structurally related substances was conducted.

In accordance with Article 13 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, "information on intrinsic properties of substances may be generated by means other than tests, provided that the conditions set out in Annex XI are met.” In particular, information shall be generated whenever possible by means other than vertebrate animal tests, which includes the use of information from structurally related substances (grouping or read-across).

Having regard to the general rules for grouping of substances and read-across approach laid down in Annex XI, 1.5, of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, whereby substances may be predicted as similar provided that their physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties are likely to be similar or follow a regular pattern as a result of structural similarity.

Environmental fate of the target substance Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates (CAS 106233-09-4) and its source substance

	Target substance	Source substance
CAS	106233-09-4 (a)	68439-49-6 (b)
Chemical name	Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates	Alcohols C16-18 (even numbered), ethoxylated (< 2.5 EO)
MW	322 - 867 g/mol	243 – 403 g/mol
Hydrolysis	Waiving based on ready biodegradation	Not relevant for Alcohol ethoxylates (1)
Biodegradation	RA: CAS 68439-49-6	readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation	Waiving based on expert statement: low bioaccumulation potential	Alcohol ethoxylates are not bioaccumulative (1)
Adsorption	(Q)SAR: log Koc > 4	(Q)SAR: log Koc > 4

(a) The substance subject to the REACh Phase-in registration deadline of 31 May 2013 is indicated in bold font. Only for this substance a full set of experimental results and/or read-across is given.

(b) Reference (read-across) substances are indicated in normal font. Lack of data for a given endpoint is indicated by “--“.

(1) HERA, Alcohol ethoxylates, Version 2.0, September 2009

 

The above mentioned substances are considered to be similar on the basis of the structural similar properties and/or activities. The available endpoint information for biodegradation of Alcohols C16-18 (even numbered), ethoxylated (< 2.5 EO, CAS 68439-49-6) is used to predict the same endpoint for Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates (CAS 106233-09-4).

A detailed analogue approach justification is provided in the technical dossier (see IUCLID Section 13).

Discussion

Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates (CAS 106233-09-4) is a substance of unknown, variable composition or biological origin (UVCB). Based on read across to Alcohols C16 -18 (even numbered), ethoxylated (< 2.5 EO; CAS 68439 -49 -6), the substance is readily biodegradable and will rapidly be removed from natural water compartments as well as from wastewater in sewage treatment plants. A read across from Alcohols C16 -18 (even numbered), ethoxylated (< 2.5 EO; CAS 68439-49-6) to Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates (CAS 106233-09-4) is justified, since both chemicals show a similar chemical structure (C16-18 alcohol ethoxy ester with or without a phosphorus moiety), similar physico-chemical characteristics (e.g. high log Kow, low water solubility) and consequently a similar environmental fate and ecotoxicology.

Considering the ready biodegradability, hydrolysis is not expected to represent an important environmental pathway for this substance. The substance has a log Koc > 4 indicating a potential to adsorb to soil and sediment particles. Due to its low water solubility (< 0.53 mg/L in aqua bidest), ready biodegradability and potential for adsorption to soil and sediment particles, only low concentrations of Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates (CAS 106233-09-4) are expected to be released into the aquatic environment. The substance will be bioavailable to aquatic organisms mainly via feed and contact with suspended organic particles. Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates is not bioaccumulative, based on the criteria given in Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, Annex XIII, 1.1.2 (BCF < 2000 L/kg). BCF/BAF values estimated with the BCFBAF v3.01 program are considered to be overprotective, since measured data on similar substances indicate negligible bioaccumulation potential. Ingested amounts of the substance in organisms are expected to be effectively metabolized to fatty alcohols, polyalkoxylate glycols and phosphate. These constituents are expected to be further metabolised and/or be excreted rapidly. Thus no accumulation is expected for Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates.

In conclusion, Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, phosphates is effectively removed from the environment by biotic degradation processes. Due the low water solubility and high adsorption potential, the main route of exposure for aquatic organisms such as fish will be via food ingestion or contact with suspended solids. The substance is not regarded as bioaccumulative, considering the rapid metabolism as expected after oral intake.