The chemical name of MOA-23 is fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, with CAS number 68439-50-9. Its molecular structure consists of two parts: the hydrophobic end is C12~C14 fatty alcohol (mainly lauryl alcohol), and the hydrophilic end is polyoxyethylene (PEG) chain with an average degree of polymerization of 23. It is this amphiphilic molecular structure of "one end lipophilic, one end hydrophilic" that endows the product with excellent surface-active functions such as emulsification, wetting, and dispersion.
From the naming, the composition information is evident: the alias "Lauryl Ether-23" indicates that the hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chain contains an average of 23 EO units; "C12~14 alcohol polyoxyethylene (23) ether" specifies that the hydrophobic end is a mixture of fatty alcohols with 12 to 14 carbon chains. This product belongs to nonionic surfactants with high EO polymerization degree, with an ionic type of nonionic. It does not ionize in water, thus exhibiting good resistance to acid, alkali, hard water, and compatibility with various ionic surfactants.
The product appears as a white waxy solid with high active content. Its HLB value is approximately 16~17, indicating strong hydrophilicity, making it an ideal choice for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether |
| CAS Number | 68439-50-9 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Hydrophobic End | C12~C14 fatty alcohol (mainly lauryl alcohol) |
| Hydrophilic End | Polyoxyethylene chain, average EO count ≈ 23 |
| Appearance | White waxy solid |
| HLB Value | Approximately 16~17 |
| Cloud Point | High cloud point, suitable for high-temperature operation environments |
Thanks to the strong hydrophilicity brought by the high EO polymerization degree, MOA-23 has wide applications in multiple industries: in textile printing and dyeing, it is used as a high-temperature leveling agent and dispersant; in industrial cleaning, it serves as a core component of metal degreasers and hard surface cleaners; in cosmetics and personal care products, it is used as an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer; in the paper industry, it is used as a deinking agent; and in emulsion polymerization, it provides a stable emulsion system.
This product is classified under GHS as skin irritant (Category 2) and serious eye irritant (Category 2A). Protective gloves and goggles should be worn during use to avoid direct contact. The product should be stored sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, with a recommended storage temperature of 5°C to 40°C. Softening may occur at high temperatures, which is a normal physical phenomenon and does not affect product quality.