Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride

Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CAS 112-02-7), commonly known as CTAC or cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, is a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant.

Where is Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride used?

• Hair care: primary conditioning active in rinse-out conditioners, depositing onto damaged hair fiber to reduce static and improve combability
• Pharmaceuticals: antimicrobial preservative and surface-active agent in topical creams, lotions, and ophthalmic preparations
• Water treatment: biocidal agent controlling microbial growth in cooling towers and industrial process water
• Textile finishing: antistatic and softening agent in fabric softeners
• Its positive charge enables strong adsorption onto negatively charged surfaces, driving use as a conditioning agent, emulsifier, and biocide.

Good to know: Cosmetic grades are subject to purity requirements aligned with PCPC and Ph. Eur. standards.

Commercial specifications

• Aqueous solution, typically 25–30% active content
• Cosmetic-grade and technical-grade specifications
• Packaging: drums to IBC totes for liquid grades; bags for solid forms