Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate
[CAS# 81646-13-1]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Carboxylic compounds and derivatives >> Salt of carboxylic acid ester and its derivatives
• Name: Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate
• Synonyms: Incroquat BTQ 25C; Varisoft BTMS; Behentrimonium methosulfate
• Molecular Formula: C₂₅H₅₄N^.CH₃O₄S
• Molecular Weight: 479.80
• CAS Registry Number: 81646-13-1
• EC Number: 279-791-1
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[N+](C)(C)C.COS(=O)(=O)[O-]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07;GHS08;GHS09 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H315-H318-H319-H373-H400-H410-H411
• Precautionary Statements: P260-P264-P264+P265-P273-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410

Discovory and Applicatios

Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate (DTAMS) is a quaternary ammonium compound that is primarily used in various industrial and laboratory applications. It is a member of the family of alkyltrimethylammonium salts, where a long-chain alkyl group, in this case, a docosyl group (C22H45), is attached to a nitrogen atom that is also bonded to three methyl groups and a sulfate anion (CH3OSO3−).

The discovery and synthesis of docosyltrimethylammonium salts, including DTAMS, are rooted in the broader development of quaternary ammonium compounds, which have been studied since the early 20th century. These compounds, due to their surfactant and cationic properties, have found extensive use in various fields, including in the manufacture of detergents, personal care products, and as dispersing agents in industrial processes.

Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate is primarily used for its surfactant properties. As a cationic surfactant, DTAMS exhibits the ability to lower the surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid, making it useful in a variety of applications. This compound is known for its ability to interact with and modify surfaces, particularly in applications where hydrophobic interactions are significant.

In industrial applications, DTAMS serves as a dispersing agent and stabilizer. It is often used in the formulation of emulsions, where it helps stabilize the mixture of immiscible liquids. Its ability to form stable colloidal dispersions makes it valuable in the production of paints, coatings, and other products that require uniform distribution of materials. Additionally, as a cationic surfactant, DTAMS can be used in water treatment processes to remove particulate matter or to improve the effectiveness of certain chemical treatments.

DTAMS also has applications in laboratory and research settings. In the field of molecular biology, quaternary ammonium compounds like DTAMS are used to facilitate the delivery of DNA or other molecules into cells. These compounds can interact with cell membranes, making them useful as carriers in gene delivery systems or in the preparation of liposomes for drug delivery. In these applications, the surfactant properties of DTAMS can be leveraged to encapsulate or stabilize biological molecules.

In the personal care industry, DTAMS is used as a conditioning agent in hair care products. Its cationic nature allows it to adhere to hair fibers, forming a protective coating that can improve the texture and manageability of the hair. Additionally, it is used in skin care formulations for its ability to interact with the skin’s surface, offering a softening effect.

Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate also finds use in the manufacture of antistatic agents, where its ability to reduce static electricity is particularly beneficial. These applications include its incorporation into textiles, plastics, and other materials to reduce static buildup, which can be problematic in various manufacturing environments.

Overall, docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulfate is valued for its surfactant, dispersing, and antistatic properties, which make it suitable for a wide range of industrial, laboratory, and consumer product applications. Its use is grounded in well-established chemical principles, and its applications have been thoroughly researched and verified in various scientific and industrial contexts.

References

2018. The Chemical and Products Database, a resource for exposure-relevant data on chemicals in consumer products. Scientific Data, 5.
DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2018.125