Technical Specifications
| Property | Unit | Typical Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brownish red / green liquid | Visual | |
| Density at 20 °C | kg/m³ | 1020 | ASTM D4052 |
| Viscosity at 100 °C | mm²/s | 9.8 | ASTM D445 |
| Flash Point | °C | 170 | ASTM D93 |
| Molybdenum | % | 9.9 | ASTM D4951 |
| Sulfur | % | 12.65 | ASTM D4951 |
| Phosphorus | % | 3.75 | ASTM D4951 |
* 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 (MoDTP)
Molybdenum di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphorodithioate, [Mo(dtp)₂] · CAS 72030-25-2
An oil-soluble molybdenum dithiophosphate carrying Mo, S and P; it generates low-friction molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) at the contact at high temperature.
What Is Molybdenum Dialkyldithiophosphate (MoDTP)?
CheMost-MO10SP is a molybdenum dialkyldithiophosphate (MoDTP) — an oil-soluble organomolybdenum friction modifier that delivers molybdenum, sulfur and phosphorus in one liquid molecule (Mo 9.9%, S 12.65%, P 3.75%). It is the classic, most widely used organomolybdenum additive and a key component of fuel-economy engine oils.
At high temperature and under boundary friction the molecule decomposes at the rubbing contact to form molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) — a low-shear lamellar solid that fills the uneven friction interface, lowers the friction coefficient and strengthens the oil film for added antiwear protection.
MoDTP differs from its sister chemistries by what it carries. Unlike the phosphorus-free MoDTC and the sulfur- and phosphorus-free complex, MoDTP contains both phosphorus and sulfur — so it brings extra antiwear from the phosphorus, at the cost of adding to the formulation’s phosphorus (SAPS) budget.
How MoDTP Works
MoS₂ at high temperature
Under load and heat the Mo-S-P molecule decomposes to molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) at the contact — a lamellar solid lubricant that shears easily and cuts friction.
Combined Mo + P antiwear
The phosphorus contributes its own antiwear film alongside the molybdenum friction film, so MoDTP delivers friction reduction with reinforced wear protection.
Lower friction coefficient
The MoS₂ film lowers the boundary/mixed-regime friction coefficient — the friction losses that drive engine fuel consumption.
Works with the ZDDP system
As an organomolybdenum dithiophosphate it integrates with the ZDDP antiwear chemistry already present in engine oils, sharing the Mo/Zn dithiophosphate exchange chemistry.
Molybdenum Friction Modifiers Compared — Where MoDTP Fits
CheMost offers three organomolybdenum friction modifiers that differ by chemistry and S/P content. The table places MoDTP 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoDTP (this page) | Dithiophosphate | S yes · P yes | 9.9% | Classic general-purpose engine-oil FM |
| MoDTC | Dithiocarbamate | S yes · P-free | 10.0% | Premium fuel-economy FM, low-P |
| Organomolybdenum Complex | Mo-amine complex | S-free · P-free | 6.28% | Low-SAPS, ash-sensitive engine oils |
MoDTP is the classic, cost-effective choice where its phosphorus is acceptable and even welcome for antiwear. Where phosphorus must be kept low, use the P-free MoDTC; where the oil must be lowest-SAPS and sulfur-free as well, use the S/P-free complex.
Applications
CheMost-MO10SP 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 MoS₂-based friction reduction is needed for fuel economy, and the additional phosphorus antiwear is within the SAPS budget.
Greases
High-load greases where the in-situ MoS₂ film lowers friction and the phosphorus reinforces wear protection.
Industrial & gear oils
Industrial and gear lubricants benefiting from a molybdenum solid-lubricant film plus phosphorus antiwear 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 MoDTP at 9.9% Mo that is roughly 0.3–1.0% product — far less than organic friction modifiers, which run ~0.25–1%. Note that at this level MoDTP also adds phosphorus (3.75% P in the product) to the oil, which counts against the low-SAPS phosphorus limit.
MoDTP is used within the engine-oil antiwear/friction system alongside ZDDP; where the phosphorus budget is tight, the P-free MoDTC may be preferred. The exact level depends on the molybdenum target, the phosphorus limit, 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 MoDTP — Complementary Additives
ZDDP
MoDTP and ZDDP share dithiophosphate chemistry and the molybdenum/zinc exchange equilibria; together they provide the friction and antiwear backbone of an engine oil.
MoDTC (P-free option)
Where the phosphorus budget is tight, MoDTC delivers similar MoS₂ friction reduction without adding phosphorus — the low-P alternative within the same moly family.
Antioxidants
A balanced antioxidant system protects the oil and keeps the molybdenum friction chemistry in its effective window over the drain interval.
Detergents & dispersants
In an engine-oil package MoDTP works within the detergent-inhibitor system; the detergent/dispersant balance must 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-MO10SP 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 dialkyldithiophosphate (MoDTP)?
It is the classic oil-soluble organomolybdenum friction modifier (Mo 9.9%, S 12.65%, P 3.75%) that generates low-friction molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) at the rubbing contact at high temperature. It reduces friction for fuel economy and adds antiwear, mainly in engine oils and greases.
MoDTP or MoDTC — which should I use?
Both form MoS₂. MoDTP contains phosphorus (extra antiwear, but it adds to the SAPS phosphorus budget); MoDTC is phosphorus-free for low-P oils. For a sulfur- and phosphorus-free, lowest-ash option, use the organomolybdenum complex.
Does MoDTP contain phosphorus?
Yes — 3.75% phosphorus per the data sheet, in addition to 9.9% molybdenum and 12.65% sulfur. The phosphorus adds antiwear but counts against the low-SAPS phosphorus limit, so check your formulation’s P budget.
What treat rate should I use?
Dose to a molybdenum target — typically ~300–1000 ppm Mo, which for this 9.9%-Mo grade is roughly 0.3–1.0% product. Account for the phosphorus it contributes. The exact level depends on 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.