Technical Specifications
| Property | Unit | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brownish red / green liquid | Visual | |
| Density at 20 °C | kg/m³ | 1025 | ASTM D4052 |
| Viscosity at 100 °C | mm²/s | 40 | ASTM D445 |
| Flash Point | °C | 170 | ASTM D93 |
| Molybdenum | % | 10.0 | ASTM D4951 |
| Sulfur | % | 11.0 | ASTM D4294 |
* Typical values from batch production. Batch-specific COA available on request.
Technical content reviewed by the CheMost additives team · Specifications last reviewed
Molecular Structure
Molecular structure · organomolybdenum (MoDTC)
Molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate, [Mo(dtc)₂] — oxysulfide Mo core with two dialkyldithiocarbamate ligands (P-free) · CAS 253873-83-5
An oil-soluble molybdenum dithiocarbamate; under boundary friction it decomposes to form low-shear molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) at the contact.
What Is Molybdenum Dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC)?
CheMost-MO10S is a molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC) — an oil-soluble organomolybdenum friction modifier that delivers molybdenum and sulfur in a single liquid molecule. It carries 10% molybdenum and 11% sulfur and, unlike its MoDTP cousin, is phosphorus-free, so it meets low-phosphorus environmental requirements.
MoDTC is the most widely used metallo-organic friction modifier. Under boundary lubrication it decomposes at the rubbing contact to form molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) — a low-shear, lamellar solid that slides easily — filling the uneven friction interface, cutting the friction coefficient and raising oil-film strength for added antiwear protection. It also contributes antioxidancy.
Its defining job is fuel economy. Because lower friction in the boundary and mixed regimes translates directly into lower engine fuel consumption, MoDTC is a core friction modifier in modern fuel-economy engine oils — and it works in close synergy with ZDDP, as explained below.
How MoDTC Works
In-situ MoS₂ formation
At the rubbing contact the molybdenum-sulfur molecule decomposes to molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a lamellar solid that shears easily between the surfaces — the accepted low-friction mechanism of organomolybdenum FMs.
Lower friction coefficient
The MoS₂ film fills the uneven friction interface and lowers the boundary/mixed-regime friction coefficient, which is where engine fuel-economy losses occur.
Synergy with ZDDP
MoDTC’s friction-reducing activity is driven by ligand exchange with ZDDP, forming Mo(dtc)(dtp) and Mo(dtp)₂ species — so MoDTC and ZDDP together outperform either alone.
Phosphorus-free & multifunctional
Carrying no phosphorus, MoDTC suits low-phosphorus formulations; alongside friction reduction it adds antiwear and antioxidant character from the same molecule.
Molybdenum Friction Modifiers Compared — Where MoDTC Fits
CheMost offers three organomolybdenum friction modifiers that differ by chemistry and S/P content. The table places MoDTC against the others so you can pick by phosphorus budget, molybdenum level and SAPS target. All figures are from each grade’s data sheet.
| Grade | Type | S / P | Molybdenum | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoDTC (this page) | Dithiocarbamate | S yes · P-free | 10.0% | Premium fuel-economy FM, low-P |
| MoDTP | Dithiophosphate | S yes · P yes | 9.9% | Classic general-purpose engine-oil FM |
| Organomolybdenum Complex | Mo-amine complex | S-free · P-free | 6.28% | Low-SAPS, ash-sensitive engine oils |
MoDTC is the high-molybdenum, phosphorus-free choice. Where the formulation must also be sulfur-free and lowest-ash, step to the S/P-free complex; where the classic Mo-S-P chemistry is acceptable, MoDTP is the workhorse.
Applications
CheMost-MO10S is used as the organomolybdenum friction modifier in formulations targeting the duties below:
Fuel-economy engine oils
Passenger-car and heavy-duty engine oils where friction reduction in the boundary/mixed regime is needed to meet fuel-economy targets, with phosphorus kept low.
Greases
High-load and anti-fretting greases, where the in-situ MoS₂ film lowers friction and adds antiwear protection.
Industrial & gear oils
Industrial and gear lubricants that benefit from a solid-lubricant friction film under boundary conditions.
Finished-oil performance approvals (e.g. API, ACEA or ILSAC fuel-economy specifications) belong to the fully formulated oil, not to an individual friction-modifier component.
Treat Rate
The data sheet specifies the product but not a per-application dosage, so the figures below are indicative, derived from the chemistry and our formulating experience — confirm the final level.
First-order estimate. Organomolybdenum FMs are dosed to a molybdenum target, typically ~300–1000 ppm Mo. For MoDTC at 10% Mo that is roughly 0.3–1.0% product (e.g. 0.5% gives ≈500 ppm Mo). Molybdenum FMs are effective at far lower treat than organic FMs (which run ~0.25–1%).
MoDTC is most effective dosed alongside ZDDP (the ligand-exchange synergy) and is often combined with an organic friction modifier for friction control across the full temperature range. The exact level depends on the molybdenum target, the base oil and the rest of the package.
Treat rates are indicative, not fixed dosages. CheMost can provide formulation and treat-rate support on request.
Formulating With MoDTC — Complementary Additives
ZDDP
The headline pairing: MoDTC’s friction reduction is driven by ligand exchange with ZDDP, forming the active Mo(dtc)(dtp)/Mo(dtp)₂ species — the two together cut friction and wear more than either alone.
Organic / S-P-free FMs
Combining MoDTC with an organic friction modifier (or the S/P-free complex) extends friction control across temperature — metallic and organic FMs are complementary.
Antioxidants
MoDTC’s friction performance depends on controlled oxidation; a balanced antioxidant system keeps the oil — and the Mo film chemistry — in its effective window.
Detergents & dispersants
In an engine-oil package MoDTC sits alongside the detergent-inhibitor (DI) system; dispersants and detergents must be balanced so they do not interfere with the molybdenum film.
Documentation, Qualification & Regulatory Support
Standard documentation — Certificate of Analysis (COA, per shipment), Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS, GHS/CLP) — is provided. The full TDS is available on request rather than as a public download. Additional support is available on request:
Regulatory documentation
REACH, TSCA and country-specific market-registration documentation support available on request.
Third-party inspection
SGS / Intertek / BV pre-shipment inspection can be arranged on request.
Custom grades & packaging
Custom packaging and grades on request.
Formulation support
Friction-modifier and treat-rate guidance from our technical team.
Packaging & Supply
CheMost-MO10S is stocked and shipped worldwide, with a typical lead time of 1–15 days and a 36-month shelf life at ambient temperature. Samples and quotations are answered within 12 hours.
Packaging
200 kg metal drum · 1000 kg IBC tank.
Minimum order
1 drum / 1 IBC — contact us for your quantity.
Incoterms
FOB · CIF · EXW, to suit your freight arrangement.
Loading ports
All major Chinese ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC)?
It is an oil-soluble organomolybdenum friction modifier (Mo 10%, S 11%, phosphorus-free) that decomposes at the rubbing contact to form low-friction molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). It lowers the friction coefficient for fuel economy and adds antiwear and antioxidant performance, mainly in engine oils and greases.
MoDTC or MoDTP — what’s the difference?
Both are organomolybdenum FMs that form MoS₂. MoDTP is a dithiophosphate and contains phosphorus; MoDTC is a dithiocarbamate and is phosphorus-free, so it suits low-phosphorus oils. Where sulfur must also be avoided, use the S/P-free complex.
Does MoDTC work with ZDDP?
Yes — strongly. MoDTC’s friction-reducing activity is based on ligand exchange with ZDDP, forming the active Mo(dtc)(dtp) and Mo(dtp)₂ species. The two are routinely used together in engine oils for the best friction and wear control.
What treat rate should I use?
Dose to a molybdenum target — typically ~300–1000 ppm Mo, which for this 10%-Mo grade is roughly 0.3–1.0% product. The exact level depends on the fuel-economy target, the base oil and the rest of the package; our technical team can assist.
How is it supplied, and how fast can I get a sample?
It is supplied as a brownish-red/green liquid in 200 kg metal drums and 1000 kg IBC tanks with a 36-month shelf life, and shipped worldwide. As a manufacturer and sourcing partner (Est. 2013), CheMost answers sample and quotation requests within 12 hours.