Betaines, C12-14-alkyldimethyl
[CAS# 66455-29-6]

Identification

• Classification: Surfactant >> Cationic surfactant
• Name: Betaines, C12-14-alkyldimethyl
• Synonyms: Empigen BB; Empigen BB/P; Flavol BMK; Geronol CF/AS 30; Geronol CF/AS 30HL; Mirataine H 30; Petrostep B 1235; Tego-Betain A 1214
• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₄NO₂⁺
• Molecular Weight: 272.45
• CAS Registry Number: 66455-29-6
• EC Number: 266-368-1
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCC[N+](C)(C)CC(=O)O

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H315-H318-H319-H335-H400-H412
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P273-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P391-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314

Discovery and Applications

Betaines, C₁₂–C₁₄-alkyldimethyl, are a class of amphoteric surfactants derived from the reaction of long-chain alkyl dimethylamines (with carbon chains typically ranging from 12 to 14) with carboxylic acids, forming zwitterionic molecules that carry both a quaternary ammonium cation and a carboxylate anion. These compounds were first developed in the mid-20th century as milder alternatives to traditional anionic and cationic surfactants, combining good surface activity with low skin and eye irritation. Their amphoteric nature allows them to act as both cationic and anionic surfactants depending on pH, which provides versatility in formulation.

The primary applications of C₁₂–C₁₄ alkyldimethyl betaines are in personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. They function as foam boosters, viscosity enhancers, and mild cleansers. Their ability to reduce the irritancy of anionic surfactants makes them particularly valuable in products intended for sensitive skin and hair. By forming stable micelles and interacting with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, these betaines improve foam quality, enhance conditioning, and increase the overall sensory experience of personal care products.

In addition to personal care, these betaines are used in household and industrial cleaning formulations. Their mildness, combined with surface-active properties, allows them to function as wetting agents, emulsifiers, and dispersants. They are incorporated into liquid soaps, hand cleaners, and surface cleaners, where they facilitate the removal of oils and particulate matter while being gentle on surfaces and skin.

C₁₂–C₁₄ alkyldimethyl betaines also serve as corrosion inhibitors and antistatic agents in various industrial processes. Their zwitterionic structure enables adsorption onto metal and synthetic surfaces, providing a protective layer that reduces friction and static build-up. They are used in textile processing, paper manufacturing, and water treatment applications, where controlled surface interactions are important.

Safety and environmental considerations are favorable compared to many traditional surfactants. These betaines are biodegradable and exhibit low aquatic toxicity at typical use concentrations. However, formulations must still account for cumulative environmental load, and proper handling is recommended to avoid eye or skin contact at high concentrations.

The development of C₁₂–C₁₄ alkyldimethyl betaines represents a significant advance in surfactant chemistry, providing multifunctional molecules that combine mildness, surface activity, and conditioning properties. Their widespread use in personal care, household, and industrial products underscores their versatility and effectiveness. The ability to function in diverse pH environments and interact compatibly with other surfactants makes these betaines essential components in modern formulations where performance, safety, and user comfort are critical.

References

2019. Effects of Ionic Liquid Alkyl Chain Length on Denaturation of Myoglobin by Anionic, Cationic, and Zwitterionic Detergents. Biomolecules, 9(7).
DOI: 10.3390/biom9070264

2018. Heme Dissociation from Myoglobin in the Presence of the Zwitterionic Detergent N,N-Dimethyl-N-Dodecylglycine Betaine: Effects of Ionic Liquids. Biomolecules, 8(4).
DOI: 10.3390/biom8040126

2013. Purification of recombinant vaccinia virus-expressed monomeric HIV-1 gp120 to apparent homogeneity. Protein Expression and Purification.
DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.04.009