What are the main components of MOA-7 (AEO-7)?

The main component of MOA-7 (AEO-7) is C12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (7) ether, which is a nonionic surfactant formed by the addition polymerization of medium-chain fatty alcohols with 7 moles of ethylene oxide, with an active content ≥99%.

Detailed Description

The full chemical name of MOA-7 (AEO-7) is C12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, CAS number 68439-50-9, with the general molecular formula C12-14H25-29O(C2H4O)nH, where the number of ethylene oxide adducts n≈7, and the average molecular weight is approximately 494. This product belongs to the category of nonionic surfactants, also known as Laureth-7, and is one of the classic polyoxyethylene ether products under Guoli Chemical.

From the composition structure, the hydrophobic group of MOA-7 is derived from natural fatty alcohols in the C12-C14 range (mainly lauryl alcohol and its homologues), and the hydrophilic group is provided by a polyoxyethylene chain consisting of an average of 7 ethylene oxide units. This specific hydrophilic-lipophilic balance design gives it an HLB value of about 12, exhibiting efficient emulsifying ability and excellent wetting and penetrating properties at the oil-water interface. The product is actually a polymer distribution of a single chemical component, containing no phosphorus, amines, or other functional additives, with high purity (active content ≥99%) and a residual free alcohol content controlled at ≤1%.

At room temperature, the product appears as a white paste, turning into a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid when heated to about 40°C. It is readily soluble in water, and its solution is neutral (pH of 1% aqueous solution is 5.0~7.0). It has good chemical stability and strong resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water. These compositional characteristics collectively determine the wide application adaptability of MOA-7 in fields such as industrial cleaning, textile printing and dyeing, leather processing, cosmetics, pesticide emulsification, and emulsion polymerization.

Technical Parameters

Application Recommendations

Thanks to the ideal ratio of C12-14 alcohol chain and 7 EO units, MOA-7 exhibits outstanding performance in the following formulations:

• Industrial and Household Cleaners: As the core active component in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and hard surface cleaners, recommended dosage 1%~10%, can be compounded with other anionic and nonionic surfactants to enhance degreasing power and foam control.
• Textile Dyeing Leveling Agent/Penetrant: Used as a pretreatment penetrant and dyeing leveling agent for polyester, cotton, and blended fabrics, recommended working solution concentration 0.5~3g/L, can significantly improve dye uptake and leveling effect.
• Leather Degreasing Agent: Used in soaking or degreasing processes, dosage 0.3%~1% based on leather weight, effectively removes natural oils, providing a clean hide for tanning.
• Pesticide Emulsifier: For formulating EC emulsifiable concentrates or EW emulsions, recommended dosage accounts for 5%~15% of the total formulation weight, combined with anionic emulsifiers (such as agricultural emulsion 500#) for better emulsion stability.
• Cosmetic Emulsifier: Can be used in O/W creams, lotions, and cleansing oil systems, typical dosage 1%~5%, also has solubilizing functions for fragrances and essential oils.

Precautions

• Operation Protection: MOA-7 is classified under GHS as Skin Irritant Category 2 and Serious Eye Irritant Category 2. Wear chemical safety gloves and goggles during operation to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. In case of accidental contact, rinse immediately with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes.
• Storage Requirements: The product is hygroscopic and should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, keep containers tightly closed, away from heat sources and strong oxidizers. At room temperature below 15°C, it may become pasty or solid. Before use, gently warm in a 40~50°C water bath to melt, avoid local high-temperature heating.
• Environmental Safety: Harmful to aquatic organisms (H402). Do not discharge undiluted product or wastewater containing high concentrations of the product directly into sewers or surface waters. Waste liquid should be treated professionally according to local regulations.
• Compatibility Suggestions: Compatible with anionic, cationic, amphoteric surfactants and auxiliaries, but avoid long-term coexistence with strong oxidizers (such as high-concentration hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite) in formulations to prevent slow oxidative degradation affecting product performance.