Polyquaternium-37
[CAS# 26161-33-1]

Identification

• Classification: Surfactant >> Cationic surfactant >> Quaternary ammonium salt type
• Name: Polyquaternium-37
• Synonyms: Poly(2-methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride)
• Molecular Formula: (C₉H₁₈ClNO₂)_n
• CAS Registry Number: 26161-33-1
• EC Number: 607-876-9
• SMILES: [Cl-].[N+](CCOC(=O)C(=C)C)(C)(C)C

Properties

• Solubility: soluble (water, methanol)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS09 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H318-H411
• Precautionary Statements: P280-P305+P351+P338+P310

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410

• Transport Information: UN 3077

Discovory and Applicatios

Polyquaternium-37 is a synthetic polymer classified within the group of polyquaterniums, which are polymers containing quaternary ammonium groups. It is produced by the copolymerization of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC). The structure of polyquaternium-37 features a hydrocarbon backbone with pendant quaternary ammonium groups, giving the polymer a permanent positive charge regardless of the pH of the environment.

The development of polyquaternium-37 is rooted in mid-20th century advancements in polymer chemistry, where efforts were directed at creating water-soluble polymers with cationic functionalities. Researchers aimed to design materials that could interact strongly with negatively charged surfaces such as hair, skin, fibers, and particulates. The incorporation of acrylamide units in the polymer enhances water solubility and film-forming ability, while the quaternary ammonium groups provide substantivity and electrostatic interaction capabilities. The stable cationic nature of the polymer, unaffected by environmental pH changes, marked a significant advancement for its commercial use.

Polyquaternium-37 has found broad applications across several industries. In the personal care sector, it is widely used in hair care products such as conditioners, styling gels, and mousses. Its ability to form thin, flexible films on hair fibers helps in imparting body, hold, and manageability to hairstyles. The polymer reduces static electricity and improves the combability of hair, both in wet and dry states. It is also used in skin care formulations, where it acts as a conditioning agent, enhancing the softness and smoothness of the skin without causing greasiness.

One of the unique features of polyquaternium-37 in personal care formulations is its use in combination with oils and silicone derivatives. It is often delivered as a dispersion in a non-aqueous solvent system, such as a blend of mineral oil and cyclopentasiloxane, which enables easy formulation of clear, low-viscosity products. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in products where traditional emulsifiers might be avoided, allowing formulators to create lightweight, stable emulsions and gels.

In the textile industry, polyquaternium-37 is used to treat fabrics to enhance antistatic properties and improve softness. Its positive charge allows it to bind effectively to fibers that typically carry a negative surface charge, leading to durable finishes that withstand multiple wash cycles.

Water treatment is another area where polyquaternium-37 has been applied. As a cationic polymer, it can function as a flocculant, promoting the aggregation of suspended solids and aiding in the clarification of industrial and municipal water streams. Its effectiveness at relatively low dosages and broad compatibility with other water treatment chemicals make it valuable in various purification processes.

The production of polyquaternium-37 typically involves aqueous solution polymerization, where acrylamide and DADMAC are copolymerized using free-radical initiators. The reaction conditions are carefully controlled to achieve the desired molecular weight and charge density, which are critical parameters influencing the performance of the polymer in different applications.

Handling and storage of polyquaternium-37 are relatively simple, as it is generally stable under normal conditions. However, as with all cationic polymers, it should not be mixed directly with strongly anionic substances, which could lead to precipitation. It is typically supplied as an aqueous dispersion and should be stored in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizing agents.

Overall, polyquaternium-37 is a well-characterized, versatile material whose stable cationic properties and excellent film-forming abilities have established its importance in personal care, textile treatment, and water purification industries. Its continued use and development reflect its significant contribution to modern polymer applications.