Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride
CTAC, Cetrimonium Chloride, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Chloride, N,N,N-Trimethyl-1-hexadecanaminium chloride
- CAS
- 112-02-7
- EC
- 203-928-6
- Sectors
- Personal Care & Cosmetics, Home Care & Industrial Cleaning
Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride (CAS 112-02-7) is a cationic surfactant supplied as a white liquid or amorphous powder, with a strong affinity for negatively charged surfaces such as hair and fibers, used to condition hair, emulsify creams and lotions, and disinfect household and institutional surfaces. It serves as a critical emulsifying agent in high-performance Personal Care formulations, facilitating smooth texture and stability.
Available in various concentrations including Technical Grade solutions, this compound exhibits strong affinity for negatively charged surfaces like hair and fibers. It functions effectively as a phase transfer catalyst and provides consistent viscosity control in aqueous systems.
Beyond cosmetics, CTAC acts as a reliable biocide and antiseptic agent in industrial cleaning applications. Its chemical structure ensures excellent solubility in water and compatibility with non-ionic and cationic co-surfactants.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C19H42N.Cl |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 320 g/mol |
| Appearance | Liquid |
| Form | Amorphous Powder |
| Color | White |
| Odor | at 100.00?%. bland |
| Melting point | 2 °C |
| Density | 0.88 g/cm³ @ Temp: 60 °C |
| Water solubility | Soluble |
| pH | pH(50g/l, 25°C) : 6.0～8.5 |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Corrosive, Acute toxicity, Irritant / harmful, Environmental hazard |
| HS code | 29239000 |
| Grades available | Cosmetic Grade, Technical Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Applications
- Hair Care Formulations:Acts as a primary conditioning agent in shampoos and rinses to detangle hair and reduce static electricity.
- Skin Care Emulsions: Functions as an emulsifier in creams and lotions, providing a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and stabilizing oil-in-water systems.
- Industrial Sanitation: Used as a surface disinfectant and antimicrobial agent in household and institutional cleaning products.
- Textile Softening: Applied in fabric treatment processes to impart softness and reduce friction on synthetic and natural fibers.
Safety & Risks
This chemical is classified as Corrosive and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage upon direct contact. It is also very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (Aquatic Acute 1). Personnel must wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and face protection during handling to prevent exposure.
Packaging
• 25 kg Bags (if flake/solid)
• 200 L Plastic Drums
• 1000 L IBC Totes
• Bulk / ISO Tank