Dimethyldioctadecylammonium Chloride (DODMAC) CAS 107-64-2

Dimethyldioctadecylammonium Chloride (DODMAC) – Cationic Surfactant for Fabric Softening, Hair Care, and Antistatic Applications

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 107-64-2

• Molecular Formula: C₃₈H₈₀ClN

• Molecular Weight: ~586.5 g/mol

• Synonyms: Dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride, Dimethyl distearyl ammonium chloride, DODMAC, DSAC

• Appearance: White to yellowish waxy solid or flakes

• Odor: Slight, characteristic of quaternary ammonium compounds

• Melting Point: 45–55°C (depending on purity)

• Solubility: Limited in cold water; better in hot water; soluble in alcohols and chlorinated solvents

• Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat

Overview
Dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride (DODMAC) is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound featuring two long hydrophobic octadecyl (C18) chains and two methyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom. This structure provides strong lipophilicity, excellent surface adsorption, and effective conditioning and softening properties. DODMAC is widely used in fabric softeners, hair conditioners, and antistatic treatments due to its ability to reduce static electricity, improve softness, and enhance textile feel.

Applications

• Fabric softeners: Used as a primary softening agent in rinse-cycle fabric conditioners, providing a soft, fluffy feel and reducing static cling.

• Hair care: Incorporated into conditioners, hair masks, and leave‑in treatments to improve wet and dry combability, reduce static, and add smoothness and shine.

• Antistatic agents: Applied to textiles, plastics, and packaging materials to reduce static charge accumulation.

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

• Industrial: Employed as a surfactant in textile processing, paper manufacturing, and as a phase transfer catalyst in organic synthesis.

• Agrochemicals: Used as an emulsifier in certain pesticide formulations.

Key Benefits

• Excellent softening and conditioning properties.

• Effective antistatic agent – reduces static electricity.

• Strong adsorption to surfaces – provides long-lasting effects.

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

• Stable over a wide pH range (4–10).

• Cost‑effective and widely used in household and industrial products.

Safety and Handling

• May cause mild skin and eye irritation; 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.