MOA-4 (AEO-4) has the chemical name C12-14 alcohol polyoxyethylene (4) ether, CAS number 68439-50-9. It is a nonionic surfactant produced by the addition polymerization of 4 moles of ethylene oxide with C12-14 fatty alcohol as the initiator. The product appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid with a molecular weight of approximately 362 (calculated as C12 alcohol). It has a high active matter content (≥99%) and a free alcohol content controlled below 1%.
In terms of physicochemical properties, the product exhibits strong lipophilicity and moderate hydrophilicity, with an HLB value of 9~10. It is easily soluble in oils and organic solvents, slightly soluble in water (dispersed in water). Its cloud point is relatively low, approximately 25~30°C (1% aqueous solution), which is closely related to the small number of EO adducts. In terms of foam performance, it is a low-foaming surfactant, offering distinct advantages in industrial cleaning and textile processes requiring rapid defoaming. From a chemical stability perspective, MOA-4 has good resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining stable performance in complex industrial systems. Acid value ≤0.2, saponification value ≤2, iodine value ≤1 indicate high product purity, few side reactions, and strict control of residual catalysts, making it a high-quality industrial-grade nonionic surfactant.
| Parameter Item | Value | Remarks/Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | MOA-4 (AEO-4) | Laureth-4 |
| CAS Number | 68439-50-9 | — |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic | — |
| Molecular Formula | C12-14H25-29O(C2H4O)nH, n≈4 | — |
| Molecular Weight | Approx. 362 | Calculated as C12 alcohol |
| Appearance | Colorless to slightly yellow liquid | Visual |
| Active Matter Content | ≥99% | — |
| Solid Content | ≥99% | — |
| Free Alcohol | ≤1% | — |
| Water Content | ≤0.5% | — |
| HLB Value | 9~10 | — |
| pH Value | 5.0~7.0 | 1% and 5% aqueous solution |
| Cloud Point | Approx. 25~30°C | 1% aqueous solution |
| Density | Approx. 0.96 g/cm³ | 20°C |
| Melting Point | Approx. 5°C | — |
| Refractive Index | 1.4550 | 20°C |
| Kinematic Viscosity | Approx. 60 mm²/s | 25°C |
| Low Shear Viscosity | Approx. 60 mPa·s | 25°C |
| Flash Point | >180°C | Closed cup method |
| Surface Tension | Approx. 28 mN/m | 0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approx. 6.5×10⁻⁵ mol/L | 25°C |
| Hydroxyl Value | 150~165 mgKOH/g | — |
| Acid Value | ≤0.2 mgKOH/g | — |
| Saponification Value | ≤2 mgKOH/g | — |
| Iodine Value | ≤1 gI₂/100g |