Question

What is the main component of MOA-3 (AEO-3)?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 MOA-3(AEO-3)

The main component of MOA-3 (AEO-3) is C12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether, a low-degree-of-polymerization nonionic surfactant.

Detailed Description

The main chemical component of MOA-3 (AEO-3) is C12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether (CAS No.: 68439-50-9). This product is produced by the addition polymerization reaction of C12-C14 carbon chain natural fatty alcohols (mainly lauryl alcohol, i.e., dodecanol) with 3 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), belonging to the fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether class of nonionic surfactants. "MOA" stands for "lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether," and the number "3" indicates an average ethylene oxide addition number of 3.

From the perspective of chemical composition and structure, its molecule consists of two parts: the lipophilic end is a C12-C14 long-chain fatty alkyl group, providing good oil solubility; the hydrophilic end is a polyoxyethylene chain segment composed of 3 ethylene oxide units. Due to the low EO addition number (only 3), the product's lipophilicity is significantly stronger than its hydrophilicity, with an HLB value of about 8-9, thus exhibiting excellent water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifying ability.

The product appearance is a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid, with high active content, stable chemical properties, and good resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water. It is a typical representative of low-degree-of-polymerization nonionic surfactants.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
Chemical nameC12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether
CAS No.68439-50-9
Product categoryNonionic surfactant
EO addition number3
Raw material fatty alcoholC12-C14 natural fatty alcohol (mainly lauryl alcohol)
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid
HLB value rangeApproximately 8-9 (no precise measured value available)
Ionic typeNonionic

Application Suggestions

Based on the component characteristics of its C12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether, MOA-3 is mainly suitable for the following scenarios:

  • AES synthesis raw material: As a key intermediate for producing sodium fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate (AES), it is an important upstream raw material in the personal care products industry chain.
  • W/O emulsification: Utilizing its lipophilic nature due to the low EO number, it exerts excellent emulsifying stability in water-in-oil emulsion formulations.
  • Industrial cleaning and degreasing: In textile scouring, leather degreasing, metal surface cleaning and other fields, it performs penetrating, wetting, and degreasing functions.
  • Emulsion polymerization: Used as an emulsifier in the emulsion polymerization of systems such as acrylates and styrene.

Precautions

This product contains low EO chain segments and may cause skin irritation upon direct contact (H315). It is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles during operation. The product is harmful to aquatic life (H412). Do not discharge undiluted product directly into water bodies. It is recommended to store at a temperature between 5°C and 35°C, avoiding freezing or high temperatures.