Didecyldimethylammonium chloride

Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (CAS 7173-51-5), commonly known as DDAC, is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a broad-spectrum biocide and disinfectant across industrial and institutional markets. It delivers effective antimicrobial action against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses at low use concentrations. In food processing and beverage facilities, DDAC is formulated into no-rinse sanitizers.

These surface disinfectants are approved for use on food-contact surfaces. Water treatment programs use it to control microbial growth in cooling towers, industrial water systems, and swimming pools. In healthcare and institutional cleaning, it is a primary active ingredient in hospital-grade disinfectant concentrates and wipes formulations. Personal care manufacturers incorporate it into preservative systems.

These systems are used for rinse-off and leave-on products where broad-spectrum protection is required. DDAC is supplied as an aqueous solution, most commonly at 50% and 80% active concentrations. Technical grade is the standard for industrial disinfection and water treatment applications. Higher-purity grades are available for pharmaceutical and personal care formulations to meet specific needs.

Buyers should confirm active content and counterion purity when sourcing for regulated end-use applications. This ensures compliance with safety and performance requirements for specialized chemical manufacturing.