Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride

Distearyldimonium Chloride (also known as Dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride or DODMAC), a quaternary ammonium compound widely used as a cationic surfactant, conditioner, and antistatic agent.

Identity and Properties
The molecular formula is C₃₈H₈₀ClN, with a molecular weight of 586.5 g/mol. The substance appears as a white to off-white powder or waxy solid, essentially insoluble in water at room temperature but soluble in polar solvents and hot water. It decomposes at approximately 135°C. The material is chemically stable under normal storage conditions and is compatible with cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, though it should not be mixed with anionic surfactants.

Applications
Distearyldimonium Chloride serves multiple functions across industries. In personal care, it is a key conditioning agent in hair conditioners, providing antistatic properties and improving wet and dry combing performance. It also functions as an emulsifier in skin care formulations. Industrial applications include use as a fabric softener, antistatic agent for synthetic fibers, asphalt emulsifier, and organic bentonite covering agent. It is additionally employed as a disinfectant and sanitizer in certain contexts.

Safety and Handling
The substance is classified with H318 (causes serious eye damage) and H410 (very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects). It is irritating to skin and corrosive to eyes upon contact. For handling, protective gloves and safety goggles are recommended, and dust formation should be avoided. The material is combustible and emits irritating or toxic fumes when heated or involved in a fire. For transport, it is classified under UN 3077 as an environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s..

Commercial Forms
The product is commercially supplied as a powder (typically ≥99% purity) or as a paste with approximately 75% active content in ethanol or isopropanol. Standard packaging includes 20 kg cardboard drums for powder grades and 50/175 kg plastic drums for paste grades.