Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
Spice Blends
Dried Herbs
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Whatsapp Order
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride (CTAC) is a cationic surfactant and quaternary ammonium compound characterized by a long hydrophobic cetyl (C16) alkyl chain and a positively charged ammonium head group. It appears as a white to pale yellow powder or flakes, soluble in water, and exhibits strong surface-active properties. CTAC is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and industrial applications for its excellent conditioning, antistatic, emulsifying, and disinfectant capabilities. It functions primarily as a fabric softener, hair conditioner, and antimicrobial agent.
Description
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Primary Uses
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Acts as a conditioning agent in shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments to reduce static and improve hair softness and manageability.
- Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in creams, lotions, and other topical formulations.
- Provides antistatic properties in hair styling products and leave-on conditioners.
- Functions as an antimicrobial preservative and disinfectant in personal hygiene products.
- Industrial Applications
- Employed as a fabric softener and antistatic agent in textile processing and laundry detergents.
- Used in emulsion polymerization as a surfactant and dispersing agent.
- Serves as a biocide and disinfectant in water treatment and cleaning products.
Secondary Uses
- Pharmaceuticals
- Occasionally used as an antiseptic or preservative in topical pharmaceutical formulations.
- Agriculture
- Used in certain pesticide formulations as a surfactant to improve spreading and adhesion.
- Oil & Gas
- Utilized as an emulsifier and corrosion inhibitor in enhanced oil recovery processes and drilling fluids.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hexadecyl(trimethyl)azanium chloride
- Common/Trade Name: Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride, CTAC
- CAS Number: 112-02-7
- HS Code: 2923.29.00
- Molecular Formula: C19H42ClN
- Molecular Weight: 320.0 g/mol
- Synonyms:
- Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride
- CTAC
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White to pale yellow granular powder or flakes
- Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; mild ammonium-like odor
- Melting Point: ~237°C (decomposes)
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Density: ~0.9 g/cm³ (solid form)
- Solubility:
- Soluble in water (highly soluble)
- Insoluble in oils and non-polar solvents
- pH (1% aqueous): ~5–7
- Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; sensitive to strong oxidizers
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Skin irritant and eye irritant (Category 2)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: Not specifically established; use appropriate PPE
- Toxicity: Moderate toxicity; avoid prolonged skin or eye contact
- Reactivity: Stable; incompatible with strong oxidizing agents
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances
- Container Type: Sealed polyethylene or polypropylene containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years under proper storage
- Special Handling: Avoid dust formation and contact with eyes and skin; use PPE during handling
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for limited use in cosmetics (as per cosmetic regulations)
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous for transport
- Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local environmental regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid release into waterways
- Persistence: Moderately biodegradable
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Partial biodegradability
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE: Wear gloves, protective goggles, and dust mask when handling powders
- Handling: Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin and eyes
- Storage: Keep container tightly closed, store away from heat and incompatible materials
- Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek medical help
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice immediately
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible; may produce toxic fumes including nitrogen oxides and hydrogen chloride
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Related products
Cetomacrogel 1000BP
Cetomacrogel 1000BP is a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative, typically used as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. It appears as a white to off-white, waxy solid or flakes with a neutral odor. Known for its excellent water solubility and compatibility with various ingredients, Cetomacrogel 1000BP enhances texture, viscosity, and stability in creams, ointments, and gels. It serves as a hydrophilic vehicle base in topical and oral pharmaceutical preparations and improves product spreadability and skin feel.
Chloroxylenol BP
Chloroxylenol BP is a pale yellow to colorless crystalline solid with a mild phenolic odor. It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent widely used for its bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral properties. Chemically known as 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, Chloroxylenol acts by disrupting microbial cell membranes and inhibiting enzyme systems, making it effective against many gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its relatively low toxicity and skin irritation profile compared to other phenols have made it a preferred active ingredient in antiseptics, disinfectants, and preservative formulations across pharmaceutical, personal care, household, and industrial applications.
Cocodiethanolamide (CDEA)
Cocodiethanolamide (CDEA) is a viscous, amber to dark brown liquid derived from the reaction of coconut oil fatty acids with diethanolamine. It is a non-ionic surfactant and foam stabilizer commonly used in personal care and cleaning products. CDEA enhances foam quality, viscosity, and skin conditioning properties in formulations. Due to its excellent emulsifying and thickening abilities, it is widely used as a secondary surfactant to boost the performance of primary detergents. It is valued for its biodegradability, mildness, and compatibility with various surfactants and other ingredients in cosmetics and industrial formulations.
Emulsifying Wax Anionic
Emulsifying Wax Anionic is a versatile surfactant blend composed primarily of fatty alcohols (such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol) and anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. It is designed to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between water and oil phases. It appears as white to off-white solid flakes or pellets, with a mild fatty odor and is dispersible in water with agitation and mild heat. Known for its excellent emulsification, cleansing, and thickening properties, this emulsifying wax is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household cleaners, and industrial applications.
Galaxy MW 257( Lutensol A07)
Galaxy MW 257( Lutensol A07), also known commercially as Lutensol A07, is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the class of ethoxylated alcohols. It is synthesized by ethoxylation of C7 fatty alcohols, resulting in a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) suitable for versatile applications in detergency, emulsification, wetting, and dispersing. This liquid surfactant is valued for its excellent surface-active properties, biodegradability, low toxicity, and compatibility with other formulation ingredients. It is widely used in industrial, household, agricultural, and personal care products to improve formulation stability and performance.
Galsilk 700( polyquartenum 7)
Galsilk 700( polyquartenum 7) is a water-soluble cationic polymer known chemically as Polyquaternium-7. It is widely used as a conditioning agent in personal care and cosmetic formulations, prized for its excellent substantivity to hair and skin, providing softness, smoothness, and antistatic effects. This polymer is typically supplied as a clear to slightly hazy viscous liquid or gel. It is compatible with a broad range of surfactants and ingredients, enhancing the sensory profile of shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and skincare formulations. Galsilk 700 is also valued for its film-forming properties and ability to improve product stability.
Myristic Acid
Myristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 14-carbon chain, naturally found in nutmeg, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and butter fat. It appears as a white crystalline solid with a faint odor. It is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, surfactants, and food additives due to its emollient and cleansing properties. Myristic Acid acts as a key intermediate in the production of esters, detergents, and lubricants.
Triethanolamine (TEA)
Triethanolamine (TEA) is a viscous, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor. It is a multifunctional organic compound widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, surfactant, and corrosion inhibitor. Triethanolamine neutralizes fatty acids to form soaps and helps stabilize emulsions, making it essential in personal care formulations and various chemical manufacturing processes. Its versatility and compatibility with other ingredients make it a valuable additive in numerous industries.
