Overbased Magnesium Sulfonate
Overbased magnesium sulfonate — a high-TBN magnesium detergent prized for clean burning and low ash deposits. The choice where magnesium's deposit and ash behaviour outperforms calcium.
The magnesium detergent for clean burning and low deposits
Overbased magnesium sulfonate delivers high-TBN acid neutralization like its calcium counterpart, but magnesium's combustion behaviour gives cleaner deposits in certain engine applications.
Overbased magnesium sulfonate provides a high TBN reserve for acid neutralization and detergency, with the distinctive advantage that magnesium-based deposits are softer and burn cleaner than calcium in some combustion environments. This makes it valuable where deposit control and ash behaviour are critical, and it is often used in combination with calcium detergents to optimize the deposit and TBN balance. It belongs to the sulfonate detergent family and complements overbased calcium sulfonate in many engine oil formulations.
Overbased Magnesium Sulfonate — typical properties
Representative typical values for overbased magnesium sulfonate. Indicative only — exact values vary by grade and are confirmed on the TDS and batch COA.
| Property | Typical Value | Method / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown viscous liquid | Visual |
| Total Base Number (TBN) | ~300–400 mg KOH/g | ASTM D2896 · grade-dependent |
| Magnesium content | ~7–10 wt% | Grade-dependent |
| Kinematic viscosity (100°C) | ~100–500 mm²/s | ASTM D445 |
| Flash point (COC) | > ~170 °C | ASTM D92 |
| Density (15°C) | ~1.1–1.25 g/cm³ | Typical |
| Sulphated ash | High (overbased) | ASTM D874 |
Typical values for guidance only — not a specification. Request the TDS for the specific grade you need; the COA reports actual measured values for your batch.
Where overbased magnesium sulfonate is used
Engine Oils
High-TBN detergent with clean-burning deposit behaviour for passenger car and heavy-duty oils. See engine oil additives.
Fuel-Economy Oils
Magnesium's low-deposit behaviour suits modern low-ash, fuel-economy formulations.
Calcium-Magnesium Systems
Blended with calcium detergents to optimize deposit control and TBN balance.
Industrial Engine Oils
Acid control and cleanliness in gas and stationary engine oils.
Why formulators choose overbased magnesium sulfonate
Clean-burning deposits
Magnesium-based deposits are softer and burn cleaner than calcium in some combustion environments.
High TBN reserve
Strong acid-neutralizing capacity for long-drain and demanding engine oils.
Complements calcium
Used with calcium detergents to fine-tune the deposit and TBN balance of an engine oil.
From sample drum to ISO tank
Sinolook supplies overbased magnesium sulfonate at any scale, from formulation samples to commercial bulk, to over 60 countries.
Frequently asked questions
What is overbased magnesium sulfonate used for?
What is the difference between magnesium and calcium sulfonate?
What TBN does overbased magnesium sulfonate provide?
Why choose magnesium sulfonate for fuel-economy oils?
Can Sinolook provide TDS, MSDS and COA?
Request overbased magnesium sulfonate from Sinolook
Tell us your target grade, application and volume — we'll send the TDS, a batch COA and a delivered quotation within 24 hours.
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