CETALKONIUM CHLORIDE- ▸ Leather processing: germicidal/fungicidal quaternary additive
- ▸ Textiles: cationic agent in dyeing and finishing
- ▸ Water repellents: component of silicone-based treatments
- ▸ Cosmetics: preservative-classified quaternary ammonium ingredient
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
Cetalkonium Chloride (benzyldimethylhexadecylammonium chloride, CAS 122-18-9) is a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant. Per the Merck Index it is used as a germicide and fungicide in leather processing, textile dyeing, and silicone-based water-repellent formulations, and it is classified as a cosmetic preservative. Supplied in bulk for industrial and personal-care use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for this quaternary ammonium chloride?
CAS 122-18-9 is most commonly traded as cetalkonium chloride (benzyldimethylhexadecylammonium chloride). The systematic name on the spec sheet is benzenemethanaminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-octadecyl-, chloride (1:1). It is a single-chain quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant.
Is this the same as benzalkonium chloride?
No. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC, CAS 8001-54-5) is a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides of varying chain length, whereas this product is a defined single-alkyl-chain quaternary (CAS 122-18-9). They are related cationic surfactants but distinct chemical identities with different CAS numbers.
What is this quaternary ammonium compound used for?
It is a cationic surfactant used industrially as a germicidal/fungicidal additive in leather processing, as a cationic agent in textile dyeing and finishing, and as a component of silicone-based water-repellent treatments. It is also classified as a cosmetic preservative ingredient.
What molecular formula and CAS number should I cite on procurement documents?
Molecular formula C25H46ClN, CAS 122-18-9. The HS classification is 292390 (quaternary ammonium salts). Request the CoA and SDS with each lot to confirm assay and identity for your formulation records.
What is the cost of bulk quaternary ammonium surfactant and what packaging is available?
Pricing depends on volume, grade, and current cationic-surfactant raw-material markets, so we quote rather than list a fixed price. Submit a bulk RFQ with your target volume and packaging (drum/IBC/tote) and we will return a quote plus current CoA and SDS.