Is didecyldimethylammonium chloride safe

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride is a typical quaternary ammonium salt compound. With its highly efficient bactericidal and antibacterial, emulsifying and dispersing, and antistatic functions, it is widely used in scenarios such as sterilization and algae control in circulating water, textile printing and dyeing finishing, and hair conditioner conditioning. DDAC even plays a role in preventive disinfection during the prevention and control period of emerging respiratory infectious diseases. With the expansion of the application scope of didecyldimethylammonium chloride ddac, public doubts about its safety are also increasing. Now let’s take a look at this product.

I. What is didecyldimethylammonium chloride？

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride CAS number 7173-51-5, abbreviated as DDAC. The full chemical name is N, N-dimethyl-N, N-didecylammonium chloride. It has multiple functions such as sterilization, emulsification and antistatic, and is a commonly used raw material in the industrial and daily chemical fields.

Its core features are as follows:

Appearance: At room temperature, didecyldimethylammonium chloride is a light yellow to yellow paste or solid with a slight characteristic odor.

Solubility: Didecyldimethylammonium chloride ddac is readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform. Its solubility in water increases with rising temperature, and its aqueous solution is weakly alkaline.

Stability: Didecyldimethylammonium chloride ddac is stable under normal temperature conditions. However, it may decompose and reduce its activity when mixed with strong acids, strong bases, or strong oxidants.

Structural features: The molecule is composed of two decyl hydrophobic long chains and a positively charged ammonium chloride hydrophilic group. This structure endows it with oil-water amphiphilicity and is the key to exerting its surface active function.

II. What is didecyldimethylammonium chloride used for？

1. Industrial circulating water bactericide and algaecide

This is one of its main uses. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride 80 can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and algae in industrial water bodies such as circulating cooling water, oilfield water injection and papermaking white water, prevent microbial slime from clogging pipelines and corroding equipment, and ensure the stable operation of industrial systems. Compared with traditional disinfectants, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride has better compatibility with other chemicals in water and is less likely to develop drug resistance.

2. Textile printing and dyeing auxiliaries

As a fabric softener: When added to the textile finishing process, it can adhere to the surface of fibers, reduce the friction coefficient between fibers, and give cotton, chemical fiber and other fabrics a smooth and fluffy hand feel.

As an antistatic agent: Didecyldimethylammonium chloride ddac can neutralize the static electricity on the surface of chemical fiber fabrics, reduce problems such as pilling and dust adhesion during processing and use, and improve the quality and user experience of textiles.

3. Daily chemical hair care and conditioning agents

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride ddac is used in small amounts in products such as hair conditioners, hair masks and body washes. Its cationic groups can be adsorbed on the surface of hair or skin, forming a protective film, reducing hair dryness and split ends, and improving combability. At the same time, it can improve the smooth touch of the skin and reduce the irritation of hair care products to the skin.

4. Other industrial applications

Pigment dispersant: Used in the production of coatings and inks, DDAC can help pigment particles be evenly dispersed, prevent agglomeration, and enhance the stability and coloring effect of coatings.

Metal corrosion inhibitors: When added to metalworking fluids, they can form an adsorption film on the metal surface, reducing the corrosion and wear of the metal during processing.

Aquaculture disinfection AIDS: At controllable concentrations, they can be used for disinfecting aquaculture water bodies and inhibiting the reproduction of harmful microorganisms. However, it is necessary to strictly follow the medication standards of the aquaculture industry to avoid residues.

III. CAS 7173-51-5 didecyldimethylammonium chloride

Purity marking instructions

Industrial-grade products are usually marked with the content of active ingredients (e.g., didecyldimethylammonium chloride 80%), with the rest being water or other solvents, to reduce costs and improve ease of use

Reagent-grade products are marked with purity (e.g., > 95.0%), and are determined by precise analytical methods such as non-aqueous titration, with extremely low impurity content.

The purity of products from different manufacturers may vary slightly. When purchasing, clear requirements should be made and the product quality inspection report should be referred to.

Purity selection suggestions

For common industrial applications (such as sterilization of circulating water), a concentration of 70% to 80% is sufficient to meet the requirements, offering high cost performance.

For fine chemicals or laboratory research, DDAC is recommended to choose reagent-grade products of ≥95% to ensure the accuracy of experimental results.

For special applications (such as high-end daily chemical products), 99% high-purity grade products can be selected to reduce the impact of impurities on product performance.

It is worth noting that the risks of products of different concentrations vary significantly. The concentration of this substance added to daily chemical products is usually between 0.1% and 0.5%. After dilution, its irritation is significantly reduced. Data shows that its safety risk level in cosmetics is 1 to 3, and there is no risk of causing acne. The 80% high concentration aqueous solution of industrial didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is a strongly irritating substance and requires strict protection.

Compared with the impact on human health, the environmental risks of Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride have received more attention from regulatory authorities. Studies have shown that this substance is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, can damage the cell membrane structure of aquatic animals and inhibit photosynthesis in aquatic plants, and belongs to the category of substances for water environment control.

Ordinary consumers need not worry too much about this ingredient in daily chemical products. When purchasing, they can check the ingredient list and choose qualified products produced by regular manufacturers. We are didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride manufacturers. Contact us at any time if needed.