Preservatives & Biocides
REACH
Quaternium 15
CAS Number
4080-31-3
EC Number
223-805-0
What is Quaternium 15?
Quaternium 15 (CAS 4080-31-3), also known commercially as Dowicil 100, is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative used in industrial and personal care formulations to control microbial growth.
Where is Quaternium 15 used?
- Personal care and cosmetics: preserves rinse-off and leave-on products such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions at low use concentrations
- Industrial water treatment: prevents microbial fouling in cooling towers and process water circuits
- Coatings and adhesives: extends shelf life and in-can stability in water-based paints, latex adhesives, and sealants
- Textile, leather, and paper processing protects wet-processed materials and finished goods from bacterial and fungal degradation.
Good to know: Broad-spectrum biocide effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold in water-based systems.
Commercial specifications
- Packaging from kilogram quantities up to bulk drum supply depending on grade
Other Names (Synonyms)
Dowicil 100|1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride|N-(3-Chloroallyl)hexaminium chloride|Dowicide Q|Cinartc 200|3,5,7-Triaza-1-azoniaadamantane, 1-(3-chloroallyl)-, chloride
What are the physical properties of Quaternium 15?
Melting Point 178-210 °C
Boiling Point 396.43°C (rough estimate)
Density 1.2898 (rough estimate)
Color Off-White to Pale Yellow
Form Solid
Refractive Index 1.6300 (estimate)
Log P 1.347 (est)
How is Quaternium 15 classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H312 Harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]
H315 Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]
H319 Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]