MOA-12 (AEO-12) is a high-degree polymerized fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, produced by the polymerization of natural C12-14 fatty alcohols (mainly lauryl alcohol) with ethylene oxide (EO), with an average ethylene oxide addition number of about 12 moles. In its chemical structure, the hydrophobic end is a dodecyl (lauryl) carbon chain, and the hydrophilic end is a polyoxyethylene ether chain -(CH₂CH₂O)₁₂H. This amphiphilic structure endows the product with excellent surface activity.
The product CAS number is 68439-50-9, and the INCI name is Laureth-12, a typical nonionic surfactant. The product appears as a white to slightly yellowish paste or waxy solid, produced by Guoli Chemical using natural fatty alcohols as raw materials, ensuring biodegradability and environmental performance.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | C12-14 Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene (12) Ether |
| English Name | Polyoxyethylene (12) lauryl ether / Fatty alcohol ethoxylate-12 |
| CAS Number | 68439-50-9 |
| INCI Name | Laureth-12 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic Surfactant |
| EO Addition Number | Approximately 12 moles |
| Hydrophobic Group | C12-C14 Natural Fatty Alcohol Chain (mainly lauryl alcohol) |
| Hydrophilic Group | Polyoxyethylene ether chain |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish paste or waxy solid |
| Raw Material Source | Natural fatty alcohol |
As a nonionic surfactant, the relationship between the structure and performance of MOA-12 (AEO-12) is noteworthy: the EO addition number of 12 determines its HLB value leaning toward the hydrophilic end, making it outstanding in O/W emulsion systems. When applied in fields such as textile scouring, liquid detergents, leather degreasing, and pesticide emulsification, the ratio of its C12-14 carbon chain length to the 12EO hydrophilic chain achieves a good balance among wetting, penetration, emulsification, and detergency properties.