Question

What are the physicochemical technical parameters of MOA-3 (AEO-3)?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 MOA-3(AEO-3)

MOA-3 (AEO-3) is a low-polymerization nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 8, exhibiting typical W/O emulsifying properties, easily soluble in oil and dispersible in water.

Detailed Description

MOA-3 (AEO-3) has the chemical name C12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether, which is a nonionic surfactant formed by the addition polymerization of C12-14 fatty alcohol with about 3 moles of ethylene oxide. The product appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid with an active content of over 99% and excellent purity. Due to its low ethylene oxide addition number (n≈3), the lipophilic group dominates the molecular structure, resulting in an HLB value of about 8, making it a lipophilic surfactant primarily forming water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.

This product exhibits excellent chemical stability, with resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining stable performance in complex formulation systems. Its low foaming特性 makes it particularly suitable for applications requiring quick defoaming or low-foam processes. The product density is 0.92~0.94 g/cm³, and the flash point is greater than 150°C, falling within a relatively safe operating range, although its flammability should still be noted.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemTechnical Specification
CAS Number68439-50-9
Chemical NameC12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether
Molecular FormulaC12-14H25-29O(C₂H₄O)nH, n≈3
Molecular Weight300~350
Appearance (25°C)Colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid
Ion TypeNonionic
Active Content≥99%
HLB Value8
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)<20°C
pH Value (1% aqueous solution)5.0~7.0
pH Value (5% aqueous solution)5.0~7.0
Density (25°C)0.92~0.94 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C)30~40 mm²/s
Low Shear Viscosity (25°C)30~40 mPa·s
Refractive Index (20°C)1.453~1.457
Surface Tension (25°C)28~32 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration CMC (25°C)Approximately 8×10⁻⁵ mol/L
Hydroxyl Value160~185 mgKOH/g
Acid Value≤1.0 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value≤1.0 mgKOH/g
Iodine Value≤2 gI₂/100g
Moisture Content≤1.0%
Free Alcohol≤3.0%
Melting Point<0°C
Flash Point>150°C
Solubility CharacteristicsEasily soluble in oil, dispersible in water
Foaming PropertyLow foam
Penetration PowerMedium
Alkali ResistanceGood
Chemical StabilityStable
HygroscopicityLow
Heavy Metal Content≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic Content≤2 mg/kg

Note: The above parameter data are sourced from the product database of Guoli Chemical and represent typical batch test values. Specific indicators should be based on the product inspection certificate (COA). The temperature conditions marked in the table are the standard test temperatures for parameter determination.

Application Recommendations

Based on the lipophilic characteristic of MOA-3 (AEO-3) with an HLB value of 8, its main applications are focused on constructing W/O emulsion systems and serving as synthesis intermediates: the largest use is as a key sulfonation raw material for AES (Alcohol Ether Sulfate); in personal care products, it can be used as a formulation intermediate for mild cleansing and conditioning in products such as shampoos and body washes; in the textile industry, it is used as a scouring agent and penetrant, with its low-foaming property being particularly suitable for high-shear processes; in leather degreasing processes, it can efficiently remove natural oils; in emulsion polymerization systems, it can serve as a co-emulsifier to stabilize monomer droplets.

Precautions

  • Operational Protection: This product is classified as a GHS07 warning chemical, may cause skin and eye irritation (H315, H319). Wear chemical safety goggles and nitrile rubber gloves during operation, and maintain good ventilation.
  • Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature is 5°C~35°C, avoid freezing and high temperatures, keep away from fire sources and strong oxidizers, and keep containers tightly sealed. The shelf life for unopened products is one year from the date of manufacture.
  • Environmental Requirements: Harmful to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects.