Cetyltrimethylammonium Chloride (CTAC, 1631)
Product Name: Cetyltrimethylammonium Chloride (CTAC, 1631)
INCI Name: Cetrimonium Chloride
CAS Number: 112-02-7
EINECS Number: 203-928-6
HS Code: 29239000
Storage Conditions: 15-30°C, sealed containers, 70% grade is flammable - keep away from heat/spark
Shelf Life: 24 months from manufacturing date under proper storage
Cetyltrimethylammonium Chloride, CTAC, 1631, CAS 112-02-7, cationic surfactant, hair conditioner raw material, conditioning agent, antistatic agent, quaternary ammonium salt, fabric softener
Cetyltrimethylammonium Chloride (CTAC, 1631)-CAS 112-02-7
Cetyltrimethylammonium Chloride (CTAC / 1631) is the most widely used long-chain quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant. Its unique molecular structure - a C16 hydrophobic alkyl tail attached to a positively charged quaternary ammonium head - gives it exceptional adsorption properties on all negatively charged surfaces: hair, skin, textile fibers, bacteria, and minerals.
As the industry standard hair conditioning agent, 1631 is found in over 80% of all hair conditioners globally. The positively charged molecules electrostatically bind to the negatively charged damaged hair cuticle, forming a uniform lubricating film that reduces combing force by 35-50%, eliminates static flyaway, and imparts softness and shine. Beyond personal care, 1631 serves as a broad-spectrum disinfectant, fabric softener, antistatic agent, phase transfer catalyst, and organophilic clay modifier - truly one of the most versatile industrial chemicals.
Key Benefits
✅ Strong positive charge - excellent adsorption on all negative surfaces
✅ Reduces hair combing force by 35-50% - proven performance
✅ Eliminates static electricity - no flyaway hair
✅ Imparts exceptional softness and detangling
✅ Broad-spectrum antimicrobial / disinfectant properties
✅ Excellent emulsifier for silicone and oil systems
✅ Universal organoclay / bentonite modifier
✅ Excellent fabric softener - reduces fiber friction
✅ Outstanding antistatic agent for plastics and textiles
✅ Compatible with nonionic and amphoteric surfactants
✅ Stable across pH 2.0-10.0 range
✅ Heat stable up to 150°C - no decomposition
Applications
Personal Care & Cosmetics (60% of consumption):
• Hair Conditioners & Hair Masks: 1-4% - primary conditioning agent
• Conditioning Shampoos: 0.2-1% - mild co-conditioner
• Hair Rinses & Treatments: 0.5-3% - detangling and shine
• Leave-in Conditioners: 0.5-2% - antistatic and softness
• Skin Lotions & Creams: 0.1-1% - emulsion stabilizer
• Antibacterial Hand Soaps: 0.5-2% - auxiliary disinfectant
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Specification | Test Result | Test Method |
Product Identification | |||
Product Name | Cetyltrimethylammonium Chloride 30% | 1631 Standard Grade | —— |
INCI Name | Cetrimonium Chloride | Cetrimonium Chloride | —— |
CAS Number | 112-02-7 | 112-02-7 | —— |
Physical Properties | |||
Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid | Light yellow clear liquid | Visual |
Odor | Mild characteristic | Conforms | Olfactory |
Active Matter | 28.0 - 32.0% | 30.2% | Titration |
pH Value (1% Solution) | 6.0 - 8.5 | 7.1 | pH Meter |
Density (25°C) | 0.98-1.02 g/cm³ | 0.995 g/cm³ | Pycnometer |
Color (APHA) | ≤100 | 42 | Colorimeter |
Chemical Purity | |||
Free Amine + Salts | ≤2.0% | 0.85% | Titration |
Ash Content | ≤0.5% | 0.18% | Gravimetric |
Ammonium Chloride | ≤0.5% | 0.12% | Titration |
Moisture Content | Balance | 68.6% | Karl Fischer |
Safety & Impurities | |||
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm | <0.05 ppm | ICP-MS |
Microbiological | |||
Total Aerobic Count | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | Plate Count |
Yeast & Mold | ≤10 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g | Plate Count |
E. coli, Salmonella | Negative | Negative | —— |
Final Conclusion | —— | PASSED - MEETS SPECIFICATION | —— |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request
Q: What is the optimal dosage in hair conditioners?
A: The standard conditioner formula used by every major brand:
2.0% 1631 (CTAC 30%)
3.0% Cetyl Alcohol (fatty alcohol co-emulsifier)
1.0% Dimethicone (silicone for slip)
0.5% Citric Acid (pH to 5.0-5.5)
Balance: Water + preservative + fragrance
Dosage Range by Product Type:
• Economy Conditioner: 1.0-1.5% 1631
• Standard Conditioner: 2.0-2.5% 1631
• Premium / Deep Conditioner: 3.0-4.0% 1631
• Leave-in Conditioner: 0.5-1.0% 1631
Higher than 4% causes buildup and greasy hair. The 2% sweet spot gives perfect softness without greasiness.
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