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Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
C19H42ClN
CAS number
112-02-7
IUPAC name
hexadecyl(trimethyl)ammonium;chloride
State
State

At room temperature, Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride is a solid. It is often supplied as a powder for use in various applications, such as surfactants in personal care products and as a phase transfer catalyst in chemical synthesis.

Melting point (Celsius)
245.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
518.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
250.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
523.15
General information
Molecular weight
320.01g/mol
Molar mass
320.0120g/mol
Density
0.9680g/cm3
Appearence

Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride typically appears as a white, waxy solid. It is crystalline in structure when purified and is usually found in a powdered form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Hexadecyl(trimethyl)ammonium Chloride

Hexadecyl(trimethyl)ammonium chloride, often referred to as HTAC, is a quaternary ammonium compound with surfactant properties. Its solubility is influenced by several factors, which can be summarized as follows:

  • Polar and Nonpolar Characteristics: HTAC exhibits both hydrophobic (due to the long hexadecyl chain) and hydrophilic (from the quaternary ammonium group) characteristics, resulting in dual solubility behavior.
  • Solvent Dependency: It is more soluble in organic solvents than in water, especially if the organic solvent enhances micelle formation, promoting solubility through hydrophobic interactions.
  • Temperature Influence: Increasing temperature generally improves solubility in many solvents, including water, as it reduces intermolecular forces.
  • pH Effects: The solubility can also be affected by the pH of the solution, which may alter the ionization of the ammonium group.

To summarize, HTAC tends to have low solubility in water but increases in solubility in organic media, greatly influenced by temperature and the chemical environment. As a surfactant, it is utilized in numerous formulations where its solubility properties can be manipulated to enhance efficiency.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Hexadecyl(trimethyl)ammonium Chloride

Hexadecyl(trimethyl)ammonium chloride, often abbreviated as HTAC, is a fascinating compound that belongs to a class of surfactants known as quaternary ammonium salts. Here are some notable points about this intriguing compound:

  • Surfactant Properties: HTAC exhibits excellent surfactant properties, which make it an important ingredient in various cleaning products and detergents.
  • Biocompatibility: Due to its unique structure, HTAC is considered biocompatible, making it suitable for use in biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems.
  • Wide Applications: This compound is utilized in a variety of fields, including:
    • Cosmetics and personal care products
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Water treatment processes
    • Antimicrobial agents
  • Micelle Formation: HTAC can form micelles, which are essential for solubilizing oils and grease in water-based solutions, enhancing the efficacy of cleaning products.
  • Historical Use: Quaternary ammonium compounds like HTAC have been used since the 1930s, showcasing their long-standing importance in industrial and household applications.

One scientist noted, "The versatility of quaternary ammonium compounds, particularly hexadecyl(trimethyl)ammonium chloride, highlights their significance in both scientific research and practical applications." This statement underscores the significance of HTAC in advancing various fields of study and product development.

In summary, hexadecyl(trimethyl)ammonium chloride is not just a compound; it is a vital component in numerous applications that impact everyday life. Its unique chemical properties and broad utility make it a subject of ongoing interest and research within the scientific community.

Synonyms
112-02-7
Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride
Cetrimonium chloride
Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride
N,N,N-trimethylhexadecan-1-aminium chloride
N-Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride
Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride
Cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride
CTAC
TRIMETHYLHEXADECYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE
Genamin CTAC
Trimethylcetylammonium chloride
Arquad 16-50
CETAC
HTAC
Palmityltrimethylammonium chloride
Arquad 16-29
1-Hexadecanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-, chloride
N,N,N-Trimethyl-1-hexadecanaminium chloride
hexadecyl(trimethyl)azanium;chloride
hexadecyl(trimethyl)ammonium chloride
cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride
CHEBI:53581
MFCD00011773
UC9PE95IBP
cetyl(trimethyl)ammonium chloride
DTXSID6026901
Dehyquart A
Aliquat 6
Adogen 444
Surfroyal CTAC
Dehyquart A-CA
Morpan CHA
Quartamin 60W
Ammonyx Cetac 30
Arquad 16
Intexsan CTC 29
Intexsan CTC 50
Barquat CT 29
Intexan CTC 29
Variquat E 228
Carsoquat CT 429
Cation PB 40
HDTMA-Cl
Catinal CTC 70ET
Dodigen 1383
Lebon TM 16
Lebon TM 60
Caswell No. 167A
Pionin B 611
Nissan Cation PB 40
Arquad 16-25LO
Swanol CA 2350
Arquad 16-25W
Arquad 16-29W
Arquad 16-26
Arquad 16/28
Quatramine C 16/29
FSM 28
HSDB 5553
PB 40
EINECS 203-928-6
UNII-UC9PE95IBP
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 069133
C19H42ClN
Surfaktivo (TN)
hexadecyl(trimethyl)azanium chloride
EINECS 268-077-5
Ammonium, hexadecyltrimethyl-, chloride
JEEQUAT CT-29
Epitope ID:116882
VARISOFT 300
EC 203-928-6
Cetrimonium chloride (BAN)
SCHEMBL24536
NIKKOL CA-2350
ARQUAD PC 16-29W
cetyl trimethylammonium chloride
cetyltrimethyl-ammonium chloride
DTXCID806901
CHEMBL1895807
hexadecyltrimethylazanium chloride
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE [II]
hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride
Tox21_202555
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE [MART.]
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE [WHO-DD]
AKOS015899168
AKOS015960532
(1-Hexadecyl)trimethylammonium chloride
CS-W012007
FS-4302
HY-W011291
NCGC00164283-02
NCGC00260104-01
CAS-112-02-7
FC180339
Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC)
N,N,N-trimethylhexadecan-1-aminiumchloride
DB-025307
H0082
NS00075623
D07672
TRIMETHYLHEXADECYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE [HSDB]
A802470
EN300-18532488
Q1061007
1-Hexadecanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-, chloride (1:1)