Decyldimethylamine oxide

Decyldimethylamine oxide (DDAO, CAS 2605-79-0) is a tertiary amine oxide surfactant commercially available under trade names including Barlox 10S and Tegotens DO. It carries no assigned E-code. At neutral to alkaline pH it behaves as a nonionic surfactant, shifting to cationic character under acidic conditions.

In personal care formulations, this pH-dependent charge behaviour allows DDAO to thicken surfactant systems and stabilise foam without additional polymeric thickeners. In industrial cleaning and water treatment, it reduces interfacial tension to lift and disperse oily soils, while its foam-modifying properties help control process foam in textile and paper manufacturing.

DDAO is supplied as an aqueous liquid concentrate, typically at 30% active content, with solid grades available for specific applications. The substance is registered under REACH and must be handled in accordance with current EU CLP classification requirements. Standard packaging includes IBC containers and bulk tankers.