Question

What are the main components of Laureth Phosphate MOA-3P?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 月桂醇醚磷酸酯MOA-3P

Laureth Phosphate MOA-3P is an anionic surfactant mainly composed of laureth-3 phosphate, with a content of ≥95%, consisting of monoester, diester, and trace amounts of free phosphoric acid and fatty alcohol.

Detailed Description

The main active ingredient of Laureth Phosphate MOA-3P is Laureth-3 Phosphate. This product is a complex phosphate ester salt obtained by first adding lauryl alcohol (C12 fatty alcohol) with 3 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) to obtain a lauryl alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether intermediate, and then phosphorylating it with phosphorus pentoxide or polyphosphoric acid.

As an industrial-grade anionic phosphate surfactant, it is not a single molecule but a functional mixture. According to the Guoli Chemical database, its main composition is: monoester phosphate content ≥55% (providing excellent emulsifying, wetting, and detergency), diester phosphate content ≤35% (also providing good oil solubility), and a small amount of unreacted free fatty alcohol (≤3.0%) and free phosphoric acid (≤2.0%). This unique mono/diester ratio gives the product excellent water-oil balance and broad compatibility.

Technical Parameters

ParameterSpecification Data
Chemical NameLaureth-3 Phosphate
Molecular FormulaC12-14H25-29O(C2H4O)nH, n≈3
Molecular WeightApprox. 430
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow transparent liquid
Active Content≥95%
Monoester Phosphate Content≥55%
Diester Phosphate Content≤35%
Free Phosphoric Acid≤2.0%
Free Fatty Alcohol≤3.0%
Moisture≤1.0%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)1.5 – 3.0
HLB Value6.5
Ionic TypeAnionic

Application Recommendations

Based on its functional composition with monoester phosphate as the core, this product has excellent wetting, emulsifying, and alkali resistance stability. In practical formulations, it is recommended for the following scenarios:

  • Personal Care: As a mild anionic surfactant and thickening aid, replacing traditional sulfate systems to reduce the degreasing power and irritation of rinse-off products such as facial cleansers and shampoos.
  • Industrial Degreasing and Hard Surface Cleaning: Utilizing the high content of monoester phosphate to provide strong and lasting wetting penetration, effectively stripping heavy oil stains from hard surfaces such as metal and plastic, and is electrolyte tolerant, suitable for ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Textile Pretreatment: As a core component in scouring agent and penetrant formulations, its high alkali resistance (typically can withstand 100-200 g/L NaOH) allows it to play an excellent synergistic decontamination role in desizing and scouring.
  • Agrochemical Emulsion: As an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier, used for the preparation of emulsifiable concentrates or microemulsions of pesticides such as abamectin and pyrethroids, promoting spontaneous dispersion of the active ingredient in water.

Precautions

The product is strongly acidic (pH 1.5-3.0) when unneutralized. Direct contact with skin may cause irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319). Before use as a personal care ingredient or incorporation into neutral/weakly alkaline formulation systems, it must first be neutralized with alkalis such as liquid caustic soda (NaOH), triethanolamine, or potassium hydroxide to adjust the pH to a mild weakly acidic or neutral range before adding and using. Wear acid-alkali resistant gloves and protective goggles during operation.