Dodecylethyldimethylammonium bromide
[CAS# 68207-00-1]

Identification

• Classification: Surfactant >> Cationic surfactant
• Name: Dodecylethyldimethylammonium bromide
• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₆BrN
• Molecular Weight: 322.37
• CAS Registry Number: 68207-00-1
• EC Number: 269-249-2
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCC[N+](C)(C)CC.[Br-]

Properties

• Melting point: 185-188 ºC

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovory and Applicatios

Dodecylethyldimethylammonium bromide is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) characterized by a nitrogen atom bonded to a dodecyl (C₁₂) alkyl chain, an ethyl group, two methyl groups, and a bromide counterion. Compounds of this type were developed in the mid-20th century as part of the broader class of QACs, which were recognized for their potent antimicrobial and surfactant properties. The combination of a long hydrophobic alkyl chain and a positively charged nitrogen center enables both surface activity and the ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes, making it an effective biocidal agent.

The primary application of dodecylethyldimethylammonium bromide is as a disinfectant and sanitizer. Its cationic nature allows it to interact with negatively charged bacterial and fungal cell surfaces, causing membrane disruption and cell death. It is widely used in industrial, institutional, and household cleaning products, including hard-surface disinfectants, sanitizing sprays, and cleaning solutions for medical facilities, food processing plants, and public spaces. Its broad-spectrum activity and rapid microbial action make it a reliable component in hygiene and sanitation protocols.

In addition to its antimicrobial function, this compound serves as a cationic surfactant in personal care and cosmetic formulations. It is used in shampoos, conditioners, and skin care products for its conditioning, antistatic, and emulsifying properties. The positively charged head group adheres to negatively charged surfaces such as hair and skin, while the hydrophobic tail improves smoothness, reduces static, and enhances product spreadability. Its compatibility with other surfactants and its mild nature at formulated concentrations contribute to consumer safety and product performance.

Industrial and textile applications also benefit from dodecylethyldimethylammonium bromide. It is employed as a fabric softener, antistatic agent, and emulsifier, improving fiber softness, reducing static buildup, and stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. In water treatment and chemical processing, it can aid in flocculation, dispersion, and surface modification, leveraging its amphiphilic and cationic properties to optimize process efficiency.

Environmental and safety considerations are critical when using this compound. Like other QACs, it is toxic to aquatic organisms and may pose environmental hazards if released untreated. Proper handling, protective equipment, and controlled usage are essential to minimize risks to humans and the environment. Its biodegradability is variable depending on conditions, so wastewater treatment and environmental management are recommended during industrial use.

The development of dodecylethyldimethylammonium bromide illustrates the practical application of quaternary ammonium chemistry to create molecules that are both antimicrobial and surface-active. Its combination of biocidal efficacy, conditioning, and emulsifying abilities ensures continued relevance in cleaning, personal care, textile, and industrial products, making it a versatile and widely used cationic surfactant in modern formulations.

References

2017. Micelle Formation of Aerosol-OT Surfactants in Sea Water Salinity. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering.
DOI: 10.1007/s13369-017-2593-0

2000. Antimalarial Activity of Compounds Interfering with Plasmodium falciparum Phospholipid Metabolism: Comparison between Mono- and Bisquaternary Ammonium Salts. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 43(2).
DOI: 10.1021/jm9911027

2003. Micellization of dodecyldimethylethyl- ammonium bromide in aqueous solution. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry.
DOI: 10.1023/a:1024552911066