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Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride

Chemical Name: Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride

CAS No.: 112-00-5

Molecular Weight: 263.89 g/mol

Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₃₄ClN

Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid or gel-like substance

Storage and transportation characteristics: low temperature, ventilation, dryness, waterproof, moisture-proof

Type Of Transportation:By Air/By Sea/By Train/By Express

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Detail

Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DTAC), also known as Lauryl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride, is a highly effective cationic surfactant that combines excellent surface activity with antimicrobial properties.

Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride (commonly known as DTAC, CAS No. 112-00-5) is a high-value quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant widely used in industrial formulations, surface chemistry, emulsion systems, and specialty chemical applications. Trusted by global manufacturers and chemical processors, DTAC delivers strong antistatic, emulsification, dispersing, and biocidal functionality in a range of industries.

Chemical Formula and Structure

Dodecl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt characterized by a medium-length alkyl chain that provides optimal surface activity for various applications.

Cas No 112 00 5

Structural Characteristics:

The molecule consists of a positively charged nitrogen atom (ammonium center) bonded to three methyl groups and one dodecyl (12-carbon) alkyl chain, with a chloride anion providing charge balance. This specific 12-carbon chain length creates an optimal balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, making DTAC particularly effective for numerous surfactant applications.

Chemical Properties and Performance

DTAC exhibits a distinctive combination of physicochemical properties that make it valuable across multiple industries. The table below summarizes its key characteristics:

Property / Characteristic	Specification / Description
Appearance (25°C)	Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid or gel-like substance
Active Matter Content	Typically 30%, 50%, or 70% aqueous solutions; also available as near 100% solid
Solubility	Highly soluble in water and polar organic solvents (ethanol, isopropanol)
Density	Approximately 0.89-0.92 g/mL at 25°C (varies with concentration)
pH Value (1% solution)	6.0-8.0 (neutral to slightly acidic)
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)	15-20 mM in aqueous solution at 25°C
Surface Tension Reduction	Reduces surface tension of water to approximately 30-35 mN/m at CMC
Ionic Nature	Strong cationic surfactant with permanent positive charge
Antimicrobial Activity	Effective against Gram-positive bacteria; moderate activity against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi
Cloud Point	Not applicable (clear solutions at all temperatures)
Kraft Point	Below 0°C (remains soluble at low temperatures)
Foaming Properties	Moderate, stable foam formation
Biodegradability	Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Compatibility	Compatible with cationic and nonionic surfactants; incompatible with anionic compounds
Storage Stability	Stable under normal storage conditions; avoid strong oxidizing agents

Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride Applications

Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry

Hair Care Products: Serves as a primary conditioning agent in shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments, providing excellent detangling, softness, and manageability
Skin Care Formulations: Functions as an emulsifier and softener in lotions, creams, and body washes
Color Cosmetics: Acts as a dispersant and stabilizer for pigments in makeup products
Oral Care: Used in mouthwashes for its antimicrobial properties and surface activity

Industrial and Manufacturing Applications

Textile Processing: Functions as a softening agent, antistatic agent, and dye leveling auxiliary in fabric treatment
Paper Industry: Serves as a retention aid, drainage aid, and softening agent in paper manufacturing
Oilfield Chemicals: Used in clay stabilization, corrosion inhibition, and as a component in drilling mud formulations
Metal Treatment: Functions as a corrosion inhibitor and surface treatment agent
Agriculture: Serves as an adjuvant in pesticide formulations to improve spreading and adhesion

Biotechnology and Research Applications

Protein Purification: Used in buffer systems for protein isolation and crystallization
Membrane Studies: Employed in the study of biological membranes and as a membrane protein solubilizing agent
Analytical Chemistry: Functions as an ion-pair reagent in chromatography and capillary electrophoresis
Nanotechnology: Serves as a template or structure-directing agent in the synthesis of nanomaterials

Household and Institutional Products

Disinfectants and Sanitizers: Provides antimicrobial activity in surface disinfectants and cleaning products
Fabric Softeners: Imparts softness and reduces static cling in laundry products
Hard Surface Cleaners: Enhances cleaning efficiency through superior wetting and emulsification

Technical Advantages and Formulation Benefits

Balanced Hydrophobicity: The 12-carbon chain provides optimal surface activity for diverse applications
Temperature Stability: Maintains performance across a wide temperature range
Formulation Flexibility: Compatible with various formulation ingredients and systems
Cost-Effectiveness: Provides excellent performance at competitive pricing
Regulatory Acceptance: Approved for use in multiple applications globally