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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
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