MOA-12 (AEO-12) is a nonionic surfactant produced by the addition polymerization of lauryl alcohol (C12-14 natural fatty alcohol) with 12 ethylene oxide (EO) units. It appears as a white to slightly yellow paste or waxy solid. Due to its excellent emulsifying, wetting, and detergency capabilities, it is widely used in textiles, daily chemicals, pesticides, leather, and industrial cleaning.
Detailed Description
MOA-12 (also known as AEO-12), with the full chemical name lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether-12 and CAS number 68439-50-9, belongs to the category of high-degree polymerized fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether nonionic surfactants. In its molecular structure, the hydrophilic group consists of 12 ethylene oxide units, while the hydrophobic end is a C12-14 natural fatty alcohol chain segment. This "amphiphilic" structure gives it the ability to arrange efficiently at the oil-water interface.
In terms of physical form, MOA-12 is a white to slightly yellow paste or waxy solid at room temperature. It has good physical stability, making it easy to store and accurately dose under different process conditions. The product remains structurally stable in both acidic and alkaline media and exhibits excellent tolerance to calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, without forming precipitates. Therefore, it maintains stable performance under complex water quality conditions.
In terms of safety, MOA-12 has low acute oral and dermal toxicity (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg). Under normal operating conditions, it is non-irritating to the skin and causes only mild reversible eye irritation. It is non-sensitizing. The product is readily biodegradable (OECD 301 method, >60% degradation in 28 days) and has low bioaccumulation potential, aligning with green chemistry and sustainable development goals.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Content |
|---|
| Product Name | MOA-12 (AEO-12) |
| Chemical Name | Lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether-12 / C12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (12EO) |
| CAS Number | 68439-50-9 |
| English Synonyms | Laureth-12 / Polyoxyethylene (12) lauryl ether / Fatty alcohol ethoxylate-12 |
| Product Type | Nonionic surfactant |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow paste or waxy solid |
| EO Addition Number | 12 |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat) | LD50 > 2000 mg/kg (Low toxicity) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity (Rabbit) | LD50 > 2000 mg/kg (Low toxicity) |
| Skin Irritation (Rabbit) | Non-irritating |
| Eye Irritation (Rabbit) | Mildly irritating, reversible within 24-48 hours |
| Skin Sensitization (Guinea pig) | Non-sensitizing |
| Aquatic Toxicity (Fish 96h) | LC50 1-10 mg/L |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable (28-day degradation >60%, OECD 301 method) |
| Bioaccumulation Potential | Low (Log Pow < 3) |
| Storage Temperature | 5-40°C |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (unopened) |
Application Suggestions
The main uses of MOA-12 (AEO-12) cover the following six areas, and it can be flexibly compounded according to different application scenarios:
- Textile Dyeing and Printing Auxiliaries: As a core component of scouring agents and detergents, it is used for pre-treatment scouring and post-dyeing soaping of fabrics such as cotton and polyester. It effectively removes natural impurities and unfixed dyes from fibers while improving wetting and penetration.
- Industrial and Household Liquid Detergents: Compounded into laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, hard surface cleaners, etc., to enhance detergency and foam stability, providing excellent emulsification and removal of various oil stains.
- Leather Degreasing Agent: In the leather degreasing process, it rapidly penetrates the gaps between leather fibers, efficiently emulsifies and removes natural oils, making the leather soft and uniform, and creating favorable conditions for subsequent tanning and dyeing.
- Pesticide Emulsifier: As an emulsifying component in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, it helps the active ingredient disperse stably in water to form a uniform emulsion, improving the spreading and adhesion of the spray liquid on plant leaves, thereby enhancing control efficacy.
- Cosmetic Emulsifying and Solubilizing Agent: Used in creams, lotions, cleansing oils, and other products to promote uniform dispersion of oil-soluble components in the aqueous phase, reduce greasiness, and provide a mild and smooth skin feel.
- Metal Hard Surface Cleaner: Compounded into industrial cleaners for metal parts, equipment shells, etc., it effectively removes mineral oils, cutting fluids, rust preventives, and other oil stains, with good compatibility with metal substrates and no corrosion.
Precautions
- Wear chemical safety goggles during operation to prevent mild irritation from splashing into eyes.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases. Store at a temperature between 5-40°C.
- If the product freezes due to low temperature, thaw slowly and stir evenly before use; performance will not be affected.
- Toxic to aquatic organisms (LC50 1-10 mg/L). Do not discharge directly into sewers or natural water bodies. Waste should be disposed of by qualified agencies.
- Store in tightly closed containers, away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
