Nonoxynols or nonylphenol ethoxylates are nonionicAn ion is an atom or group of bonded atoms which have lost or gained one or more electrons, making them negatively or positively charged. An ion consisting of a single atom is called a monatomic ion. A negatively charged ion, which has more electrons in its electron shells than it has protons in its nuclei, is known as an anion (; an-eye-on) due ...nonionic surfactantSurfactants, also known as tensides, are wetting agents that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and lower the interfacial tension between two liquids.surfactant mixtures varying in the number of repeating ethoxyIn chemistry, the alkoxyl group is an alkyl group linked to oxygen thus: R-O. The range of alkoxy groups is as great, the simplest being methoxy (-OCH3). An ethoxy substituent is found in the organic compound phenetol, C6H5OCH2CH3. Related to alkoxy groups are aryloxy groups. Alkoxides are derivatives of alcohols where the proton has been replaced by a metal, typically sodium. Category:Functional groups de:Alkoxygruppe es:Grupo alcoxi nl:Alkoxygroep pl:Grupa alkoksylowaethoxy (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) groups. They are used as detergentsDetergent is a compound, or a mixture of compounds, intended to assist cleaning. The term is often used to differentiate between soap and other chemical surfactants used for cleaning purposes.detergents, emulsifiersAn emulsion is a mixture of two immiscible (unblendable) substances. One substance (the dispersed phase) is dispersed in the other (the continuous phase). Examples of emulsions include butter and margarine, espresso, mayonnaise, the photo-sensitive side of photographic film, and cutting fluid for metalworking. In butter and ...emulsifiers, wetting agentsSurfactants, also known as tensides, are wetting agents that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and lower the interfacial tension between two liquids.wetting agents, defoaming agents, etc. Nonoxynol-9Nonoxynol-9, sometimes abbreviated as N-9, is a non-ionic nonoxynol surfactant that is used as an ingredient in various cleaning and cosmetic products, but is also widely used in contraceptives for its spermicidal properties. Although it was at one time widely promoted as a protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV, subsequent studies have shown that it can in fact increase the risk of infection by damaging the physical barriers of the rectum or vagina.World Health Organization: Microbicides. available onlineNonoxynol-9, the compound with 9 repeating ethoxy groups, is a spermatocideSpermicide is a substance that kills sperm, inserted vaginally prior to intercourse to prevent pregnancy. As a contraceptive, spermicide may be used alone. However, the pregnancy rate experienced by couples using only spermicide is higher than that of couples using other methods. Usually, spermicides are combined with contraceptive barrier methods such as diaphragms, condoms, cervical caps, and sponges. Combined methods are believed to result in lower pregnancy rates than either method alone. Spermicides ...spermatocide, formulated primarily as a component of vaginalThe vagina, (from Latin, literally "sheath" or "scabbard" ) is the tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the oviduct. The ...vaginal foams and creams.de:Nonylphenolethoxylate