Dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride also commonly distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is an organic compound classified as
quaternary ammonium salt
In chemistry, quaternary ammonium cations, also known as quats, are positively charged polyatomic ions of the structure , R being an alkyl group or an aryl group. Unlike the ammonium ion () and the primary, secondary, or tertiary ammonium cation ...
. The
nitrogen
Nitrogen is the chemical element with the symbol N and atomic number 7. Nitrogen is a nonmetal and the lightest member of group 15 of the periodic table, often called the pnictogens. It is a common element in the universe, estimated at se ...
center substituted with two
methyl groups and two
stearyl groups. The combination of long-chain hydrocarbon groups and the cationic ammonium confers
surfactant- or a
detergent-like properties. For professional use only, it can be found in many wares-and-equipment sanitizers as well as cleaner/sanitizer combinations that are standard in the foodservice industry – it was once a major component of
fabric softener
A fabric softener (American English) or fabric conditioner (British English) is a conditioner that is applied to laundry during the rinse cycle in a washing machine to reduce harshness in clothes that are dried in air after machine washing. In con ...
s, but has been largely phased out because of its low
biodegradability
Biodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. It is generally assumed to be a natural process, which differentiates it from composting. Composting is a human-driven process in which biodegradati ...
. In household products, it may also be found as an ingredient in cosmetics and hair conditioners in which it is added primarily for its
antistatic
An antistatic agent is a compound used for treatment of materials or their surfaces in order to reduce or eliminate buildup of static electricity. Static charge may be generated by the triboelectric effect or by a non-contact process using a high ...
effects.
It is also used in
organic synthesis as a
phase transfer catalyst
In chemistry, a phase-transfer catalyst or PTC is a catalyst that facilitates the transition of a reactant from one phase into another phase where reaction occurs. Phase-transfer catalysis is a special form of heterogeneous catalysis. Ionic rea ...
to increase reaction rates in a two-phase organic-water system.
See also
*
Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide – corresponding bromide salt
*
Didecyldimethylammonium chloride
Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) is a quaternary ammonium compound used as antiseptic/disinfectant. It causes the disruption of intermolecular interactions and the dissociation of lipid bilayers. The bacteriostatic (prevent growth) or bac ...
– shorter di-C10 analogue
References
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Quaternary ammonium compounds
Cationic surfactants
Household chemicals
Laundry substances