Corexit is a dispersant currently produced by Nalco Chemical company. This chemical has been highly controversial since the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill due to potential environmental hazards associated with it. Corexit is a mixture of nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, and other ingredients. The approximate surfactant makeup of Corexit includes 48% nonionic, 35% anionic, and 17% solvent (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether ). Surfactants are used to lower the surface tension on the water-oil interface. They have a hydrophilic (attracted to water) head and hydrophobic (repelled by water) tail. The tail is subsequently dissolved by the oil and the head by water. Droplets of oil are surrounded by a series of the surfactant molecules, creating small ring of molecules around the drop of oil.
For more information about this dispersant visit the Composition page for a detailed listing and explanation of each ingredient. If you wish to read a more detailed history of its creation and use, you can also visit our History page.