Question

What are the physical and chemical technical parameters of MOA-12 (AEO-12)?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 MOA-12(AEO-12)

MOA-12 (AEO-12) is a highly polymerized nonionic fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 14.5, a cloud point of 90~95°C, readily soluble in water, and exhibits excellent emulsifying, wetting, and detergency properties.

Detailed Description

MOA-12 (AEO-12) has the chemical name lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether-12, CAS number 68439-50-9, molecular formula C12-14H25-29O(C2H4O)nH (n≈12), and molecular weight approximately 714-730. The product appears as a white to slightly yellow paste to viscous liquid (melting point 15~20°C) and belongs to the class of nonionic surfactants.

The product has an active content of ≥99%, solid content of ≥99%, free alcohol ≤1%, and moisture ≤1.0%. In terms of solubility, MOA-12 is readily soluble in water, and the pH values of 1% and 5% aqueous solutions are both in the range of 5.0~7.0, being nearly neutral. It exhibits good chemical stability, maintaining structural stability in both acidic and alkaline media, excellent tolerance to calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, and good alkali resistance.

MOA-12 has a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.09 mmol/L (25°C), indicating that it can effectively reduce the surface tension of aqueous solutions at low concentrations (0.1% aqueous solution surface tension is 28~32 mN/m at 25°C). Its HLB value is 14.5, classifying it as a strongly hydrophilic surfactant, suitable for use as an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer. The product is slightly hygroscopic, has a flash point >150°C (closed cup), is non-flammable, and exhibits good processing safety.

Technical Parameters

ItemParameter Value (Data source: Guoli Chemical Product Database)
CAS Number68439-50-9
Chemical NameLauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether-12 / C12-14 Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (12EO)
Molecular FormulaC12-14H25-29O(C2H4O)nH, n≈12
Molecular Weight~714-730
Ionic TypeNonionic
Appearance (25°C)White to slightly yellow paste to viscous liquid
Active Content≥99%
Solid Content≥99%
Moisture≤1.0%
Free Alcohol Content≤1%
HLB Value14.5
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)90~95°C
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
pH Value (5% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Melting Point15~20°C
Density (25°C)Approx. 1.02 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C)Approx. 200 mm²/s
Low Shear Viscosity (25°C)Approx. 204 mPa·s
Refractive Index (25°C)1.456~1.458
Flash Point (Closed Cup)>150°C
Surface Tension (0.1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)28~32 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration CMC (25°C)0.09 mmol/L
Penetration Force (0.1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C, Canvas Settling Method)>300s
Hydroxyl Value70~85 mgKOH/g
Acid Value≤0.5 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value≤1 mgKOH/g
Iodine Value≤1
Unsaturation≤0.04 mol/kg
Foaming CharacteristicsModerate foam
Alkali ResistanceGood
Heavy Metals (as Pb)≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)≤2 mg/kg
Chemical StabilityStable
HygroscopicitySlightly hygroscopic
SolubilityReadily soluble in water

Parameter Interpretation and Application Suggestions

HLB value of 14.5 indicates that MOA-12 is strongly hydrophilic and suitable for O/W emulsion systems. In pesticide emulsifiable concentrate formulations, it can help oil-soluble active ingredients disperse stably in the aqueous phase; in cosmetic creams and lotion formulations, it can be used as an auxiliary emulsifier and solubilizer. The recommended dosage is generally 1%~5% of the total formulation, which should be optimized based on the type and proportion of the oil phase in the system.

Cloud point of 90~95°C (1% aqueous solution) indicates that the product can maintain good solubility and surface activity in high-temperature water baths, making it suitable for processes requiring operation at relatively high temperatures, such as textile printing and dyeing pretreatment scouring (usually at 80~95°C