Cetrimonium Chloride (CTAC) CAS 112-02-7

Cetrimonium Chloride (CTAC) – Cationic Surfactant for Hair Care, Fabric Softening, and Industrial Applications

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 112-02-7

• Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₄₂ClN

• Molecular Weight: ~320.0 g/mol

• Synonyms: Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, CTAC

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or viscous liquid (depending on concentration)

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; moderately soluble in alcohols; insoluble in non‑polar solvents

• Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers at 10–30°C, protected from moisture and light

• Stability: Stable at moderate temperatures and over a wide pH range

Overview
Cetrimonium chloride (CTAC) is a well-established cationic quaternary ammonium compound characterized by a long cetyl (C16) hydrophobic chain and a positively charged quaternary ammonium head group. This structure provides excellent surface activity, conditioning properties, and antimicrobial effects. CTAC is widely used in personal care, household, and industrial applications due to its versatility and effectiveness.

Applications

• Hair care: Used in conditioners, leave-in treatments, and hair masks to improve wet and dry combability, reduce static, and impart softness and shine.

• Fabric softeners: Acts as a cationic surfactant to soften textiles and reduce static cling in rinse-cycle products.

• Cosmetics: Functions as an emulsifier and conditioning agent in creams, lotions, and skin care products.

• Pharmaceuticals: Used as an antimicrobial agent and preservative in topical formulations.

• Industrial: Applied as a flotation agent in mineral processing, a phase transfer catalyst, and a biocide in water treatment.

• Other: Used in antistatic sprays and as a component in specialized cleaning products.

Key Benefits

• Excellent conditioning and antistatic properties.

• Good emulsification and dispersing capabilities.

• Effective antimicrobial activity.

• Compatible with nonionic and cationic surfactants (avoid anionic surfactants).

• Stable and cost-effective.

• Widely available in various concentrations.

Safety and Handling

• May cause mild skin and eye irritation at high concentrations; use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) when handling.

• Incompatible with anionic surfactants – forms precipitates.

• Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and acids.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

• Shelf life: typically 24 months under recommended storage conditions.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for active content, pH, and performance properties to ensure consistent quality.