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Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride
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.
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.
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
- 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
Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20)
Cetomacrogol PEG (Ginonic CSA) is a polyethylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant and emulsifier with an average molecular weight of approximately 1000 Da. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid or flakes with a neutral odor. This high-quality grade is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations due to its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, and moisturizing properties. Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20) facilitates stable oil-in-water emulsions, improves product texture and skin feel, and enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients. Its hydrophilic nature and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients make it a versatile additive in creams, lotions, ointments, and topical gels.
Cetrimide Powder
Cetrimide Powder is a high-purity quaternary ammonium compound widely used for its antiseptic, disinfectant, and surfactant properties. It is a cationic surfactant derived from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slight characteristic odor. Known for its excellent antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and fungi, cetrimide is frequently incorporated in pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial formulations. It acts as a bactericidal agent, detergent, and emulsifier, providing effective cleaning and disinfecting action.
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.
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Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild ammonia-like odor. It is a secondary amine and diol, widely used in various industrial, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. DEA is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents. It acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of surfactants, emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and pharmaceuticals. It is valued for its alkalinity, emulsifying properties, and ability to form stable complexes with fatty acids.
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.
Emulsifying Wax Non ionic
Emulsifying Wax Non ionic is a self-emulsifying, non-ionic wax blend composed primarily of fatty alcohols (typically cetostearyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol) and non-ionic surfactants like polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives. It is used to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions without relying on ionic charges, making it highly compatible with a wide range of ingredients, including both cationic and anionic components. This wax is commonly found in white, odorless solid flakes or pellets and is dispersible in hot water to form smooth, stable emulsions. It is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications where gentle emulsification, stability, and broad pH compatibility are needed.
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.
Polysorbates
Polysorbates are a class of nonionic surfactants derived from sorbitol and fatty acids, commonly used as emulsifiers, solubilizers, and dispersing agents in a wide range of industries. They improve the mixing of oil and water phases, stabilize emulsions, and enhance the texture and consistency of formulations. Polysorbates are widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and industrial applications due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and effectiveness at low concentrations.
