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2D Structure
Also known as: Nonoxynol 9, 14409-72-4, Delfen, Nonoxynol, n=9, 26571-11-9, Tergitol np-9
Molecular Formula
C33H60O10
Molecular Weight
616.8  g/mol
InChI Key
FBWNMEQMRUMQSO-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Nonionic surfactant mixtures varying in the number of repeating ethoxy (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) groups. They are used as detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, defoaming agents, etc. Nonoxynol-9, the compound with 9 repeating ethoxy groups, is a spermatocide, formulated primarily as a component of vaginal foams and creams.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C33H60O10/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-32-10-12-33(13-11-32)43-31-30-42-29-28-41-27-26-40-25-24-39-23-22-38-21-20-37-19-18-36-17-16-35-15-14-34/h10-13,34H,2-9,14-31H2,1H3
2.1.3 InChI Key
FBWNMEQMRUMQSO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CCCCCCCCCC1=CC=C(C=C1)OCCOCCOCCOCCOCCOCCOCCOCCOCCO
2.2 Synonyms
2.2.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Advantage S

2. Advantage-s

3. Delfen Cream

4. Delfen Creams

5. Emulgen 911

6. Emulgin 913

7. Nonoxinol

8. Nonoxinols

9. Nonoxynol

10. Nonoxynol 9

11. Nonoxynol, 1(4)-sulfate, Sodium Salt

12. Nonoxynol, 4-sulfate, Ammonium Salt

13. Nonoxynols

14. Nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol

15. Nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanols

16. Oval, Patentex

17. Patentex Oval

2.2.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. Nonoxynol 9

2. 14409-72-4

3. Delfen

4. Nonoxynol, N=9

5. 26571-11-9

6. Tergitol Np-9

7. Peg-9 Nonyl Phenyl Ether

8. Nonoxynol9

9. Tergitol Np9

10. Nonaethylene Glycol Nonylphenyl Ether

11. Nonylphenol Octa(oxyethylene) Ethanol

12. Nonaethylene Glycol Mono(nonylphenyl) Ether

13. Nonoxinol-9

14. 2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol

15. Nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol

16. Polyoxyethylene (9) Nonyl Phenyl Ether

17. 26-(4-nonylphenoxy)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24-octaoxahexacosan-1-ol

18. 26-(nonylphenoxy)-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24-octaoxahexacosan-1-ol

19. Chebi:53775

20. Nsc-758941

21. P-nonylphenyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether

22. N-9

23. Conceptrol

24. Intercept

25. Semicid

26. 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24-octaoxahexacosan-1-ol, 26-(4-nonylphenoxy)-

27. 2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-[2-(4-nonylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]-ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol

28. Staycept

29. Emko

30. Today Sponge

31. Nonoxinolum 9

32. Hsdb 8094

33. Gynol Ii

34. C-film

35. Norfox Np-9

36. Tergitol Tp-9

37. Nonoxynol-9.5

38. Einecs 247-816-5

39. Conco Ni-90

40. K-y Plus Nonoxynol-9

41. Spectrum2_001247

42. Spectrum3_001946

43. Alosetronhydrochloride

44. Chembl1410

45. Schembl36844

46. Bspbio_003546

47. Spectrum1505292

48. Spbio_001154

49. Dowfax 9n9, Neutronyx 611

50. Co-630sp

51. Kbio3_002833

52. Dtxsid00858720

53. Hms2093o22

54. Pharmakon1600-01505292

55. Zinc8214629

56. 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24-octaoxahexacosan-1-ol, 26-(nonylphenoxy)-

57. Bdbm50442874

58. Ccg-39124

59. Nsc758941

60. Akos015910808

61. Db06804

62. Nsc 758941

63. Ncgc00095907-02

64. Ncgc00095907-03

65. N 9

66. Sbi-0206761.p001

67. Polyethylene Glycol 450 Nonyl Phenyl Ether

68. Ab01563056_01

69. Q420039

70. Sr-05000001885

71. J-016227

72. Q-201490

73. Sr-05000001885-1

74. Brd-k88625236-001-01-8

75. 1-(4-nonylphenyl)-1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22,25-nonaoxaheptacosan-27-ol

76. N9

2.3 Create Date
2005-08-01
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 616.8 g/mol
Molecular Formula C33H60O10
XLogP34.6
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count10
Rotatable Bond Count35
Exact Mass616.41864811 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass616.41864811 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area103 Ų
Heavy Atom Count43
Formal Charge0
Complexity520
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 2  
Drug NameToday
PubMed HealthNonoxynol 9 (Vaginal)
Drug ClassesContraceptive, Local
Active IngredientNonoxynol-9
Dosage FormSponge
RouteVaginal
Strength1gm
Market StatusOver the Counter
CompanyMayer Labs

2 of 2  
Drug NameToday
PubMed HealthNonoxynol 9 (Vaginal)
Drug ClassesContraceptive, Local
Active IngredientNonoxynol-9
Dosage FormSponge
RouteVaginal
Strength1gm
Market StatusOver the Counter
CompanyMayer Labs

4.2 Drug Warning

In January, 2003, FDA proposed new warning statements and other labeling information for these products after results from a major clinical study in Africa and Thailand showed that women using a contraceptive gel product containing N9 were not protected against HIV and other STDs and were, in fact, at higher risk for HIV infection than women using a placebo gel. Because these and other studies have shown that use of products containing N9 cause vaginal and rectal irritation that can heighten the chance of becoming infected with HIV from an infected partner, FDA believes the warning will empower consumers to make better informed decisions about the use of these products, and better protect the public health.

DHHS/FDA; For Consumers: New Warning for Nonoxynol 9 OTC Contraceptive Products re: STDS and HIV/AIDS (June18, 2009). Available from, as of October 16, 2012: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm124023.htm


The FDA issued a final rule on December 18, 2007 requiring manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) stand-alone vaginal contraceptive and spermicidal products containing the chemical ingredient nonoxynol 9 (N9) include a warning stating that the chemical N9 does not provide protection against infection from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Stand-alone spermicides include gels, foams, films, or inserts containing N9 that are used by themselves for contraception. Consumers can protect themselves from the transmission of STDs and HIV by practicing abstinence, being in a monogamous relationship where neither partner is infected, and using condoms consistently and correctly. FDA is issuing the rule in an effort to correct misconceptions that N9 protects against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.

DHHS/FDA; For Consumers: New Warning for Nonoxynol 9 OTC Contraceptive Products re: STDS and HIV/AIDS (June18, 2009). Available from, as of October 16, 2012: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm124023.htm


Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) alert: This product does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs and may increase the risk of getting HIV from an infected partner.

DHHS/FDA; For Consumers: New Warning for Nonoxynol 9 OTC Contraceptive Products re: STDS and HIV/AIDS (June18, 2009). Available from, as of October 16, 2012: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm124023.htm


Do not use if you or your sex partner has HIV/AIDS. If you do not know if you or your sex partner is infected, choose another form of birth control.

DHHS/FDA; For Consumers: New Warning for Nonoxynol 9 OTC Contraceptive Products re: STDS and HIV/AIDS (June18, 2009). Available from, as of October 16, 2012: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm124023.htm


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for Nonoxynol-9 (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Drug Indication

Nonoxynol 9 is a surfactant spermicide used for contraception in spermicidal creams, jellies, foams, gel, and lubricants. It is also used in conjuction with other methods of contraception, including condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Surface-Active Agents

Agents that modify interfacial tension of water; usually substances that have one lipophilic and one hydrophilic group in the molecule; includes soaps, detergents, emulsifiers, dispersing and wetting agents, and several groups of antiseptics. (See all compounds classified as Surface-Active Agents.)


Spermatocidal Agents

Chemical substances that are destructive to spermatozoa used as topically administered vaginal contraceptives. (See all compounds classified as Spermatocidal Agents.)


5.2 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

In mice intravenously injected with (14)C-Nonoxynol-9, the highest amounts of radioactivity were reported for the small and large intestines. (14)C radioactivity was excreted mainly in the urine and feces. An HPLC analysis of the urine and bile indicated that no intact Nonoxynol-9 was present in the bile or urine, and that Nonoxynol-9 was metabolized to highly polar species.

Alan AF ed.; Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Amended final report on the safety assessment of Nonoxynol -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7 and -8. Int J Toxicol 18 (Suppl 1):11-31 (1999)


In in vitro skin penetration studies using cadaver skin (rinse off and leave-on protocols), the total skin penetration of Nonoxynol-2, -4, and -9 was less than 1 % over a period of 48 hours.

Alan AF ed.; Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Amended final report on the safety assessment of Nonoxynol -1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7 and -8. Int J Toxicol 18 (Suppl 1):11-31 (1999)


The disposition of nonoxynol-9 labeled with (14)C at the ethylene oxide units was studied following an iv or vaginal administration to female Sprague-Dawley rats. The results from the vaginal administration studies indicate 12.8% absorption of (14)C radioactivity in 6.0 hr and 37.7% in 24.0 hr. Tissue distribution studies showed that the small and large intestines, including their contents, had the highest (14)C activity by either route of administration. Radiomonitored HPLC of bile collected at 6.0 hr and urine at 6.0, 24.0, and 48.0 hr following an iv injection of (14)C nonoxynol-9 showed that the compound was completely metabolized in the body of the rat. The metabolites were primarily excreted in the feces and secondarily in the urine. Analysis of urinary metabolites containing the (14)C label, 6.0 hr following an iv dose, indicated the presence of highly polar neutral (53.27%) and acidic (39.23%) species.

PMID:2848334 Walter BA et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 96 (2): 258-68 (1988)


5.3 Mechanism of Action

Nonoxynol-9 interacts with the lipids in the membranes of the acrosome and the midpiece of the sperm. The sperm membranes are lysed; the acrosome, neck and midpiece of the spermatozoa are loosened and then detached which results in their immobilization and death.