Surfactants - Cationic Available — Bulk Only

Cetrimonium Chloride (CTAC)

CTAC
CAS 112-02-7 · Formula C19H42ClN · MW 320.0 g/mol

A cationic conditioning surfactant that deposits a smoothing, antistatic film on hair and fiber surfaces. It is used as a hair-conditioning and antistatic agent, a cationic detergent, and a disinfectant/germicide, as well as a softening agent, dispersant, and corrosion inhibitor in industrial systems.

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CAS Number
112-02-7
Formula
C19H42ClN
Molecular Weight
320.0 g/mol
Material Family
Surfactants - Cationic
At a Glance
Material Family
Surfactants - Cationic
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Biocidal Action · Surfactancy
Solubility
Water solubility: 440 mg/l at 30 °C
Functional Roles
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
ANTIMICROBIALANTISTATICPRESERVATIVESURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Hair conditioning: Cationic conditioning and antistatic agent in rinse-off and leave-on products
  • Cationic detergent: Surface-active cleaning and dispersing agent
  • Disinfectant/biocide: Quaternary ammonium germicidal chemistry
  • Industrial softening: Softener and corrosion inhibitor in process systems
Physical Properties
Boiling Point
82 °C at 760 mmHg (isopropyl alcohol)
Density
0.9 at 25 °C (approx.)
Solubility
Water solubility: 440 mg/l at 30 °C
Flash Point
21 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

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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Chemical Identity
CAS Number
112-02-7
Molecular Formula
C19H42ClN
Molecular Weight
320.0 g/mol
IUPAC Name
hexadecyl(trimethyl)azanium chloride
INCI Name
CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
WOWHHFRSBJGXCM-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Synonyms & Trade Names
HEXADECYL(TRIMETHYL) AZANIUM CHLORIDE Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride Cetrimonium chloride N-Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride Cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride Dehyquart A Genamin CTAC Aliquat 6 TRIMETHYLHEXADECYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE Arquad 16-50 Trimethylcetylammonium chloride CETAC HTAC Adogen 444 Surfroyal CTAC Palmityltrimethylammonium chloride Morpan CHA Quartamin 60W Arquad 16-29 Ammonyx Cetac 30
Full Description

Cetrimonium chloride (CAS 112-02-7), or CTAC, is a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant supplied as an active or as an aqueous/isopropanol solution. It is used as a hair-conditioning and antistatic agent, a cationic detergent, and a disinfectant/germicide, as well as a softening agent, dispersant, and corrosion inhibitor in industrial systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for cetrimonium chloride?

It is commonly called CTAC and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride. The CAS is 112-02-7 and the formula is C19H42ClN. It is a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant supplied as an active or as an aqueous/isopropanol solution.

What is cetrimonium chloride used for?

CTAC is used as a hair-conditioning and antistatic agent in rinse-off and leave-on products, as a cationic detergent and dispersant, and as a quaternary ammonium germicidal active. In industrial systems it functions as a softener and corrosion inhibitor.

What is the molecular formula and CAS for cetrimonium chloride?

The formula is C19H42ClN and the CAS is 112-02-7. It is typically supplied as a solution at a defined active concentration. Confirm assay and active content against the CoA for your lot.

How is cetrimonium chloride shipped (DOT/UN)?

Solutions of cetrimonium chloride are associated with UN 3082 (environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s.). Classification and packing group depend on the specific concentration and formulation; confirm on the SDS for your grade. RawSource ships with compliant documentation and labeling.

What is the HS code for cetrimonium chloride?

It is typically classified under HS 292390 (quaternary ammonium salts). Confirm the correct tariff classification with your customs broker for your destination. RawSource includes HS references on shipping documentation.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.