Product Features

Product Features

Below 25℃(at room temperature), DMA16 exists as a white waxy solid, flake or paste. When the temperature rises to above℃, it turns into a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid. It has a characteristic amine - like odor. DMA16 is insoluble in water, but readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol, benzene and chloroform. The tertiary amine group (-N(CH₃)₂) in its molecular structure dictates its ability to react with alkylating agents including methyl chloride and benzyl chloride, yielding a variety of cationic quaternary ammonium salt surfactants (e.g., 1631). These quaternary ammonium salts serve as key ingredients in fabric softeners and antistatic agents, achieving an optimal balance between softness and processability that outperforms their counterparts with shorter or longer carbon chains (such as C18 derivatives). DMA16 can also react with sodium chloroacetate to produce hexadecyl dimethyl betaine (BS-16).

Application

DMA16 serves as a core intermediate for manufacturing a variety of high-performance surfactants, with highly focused and critical applications.

Cationic Quaternary Ammonium Salt Surfactants (Primary Application)：Examples include cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (1631) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). These are the main active ingredients in household and industrial fabric softeners, which can endow fabrics with a fluffy and soft hand feel while reducing static electricity. They are also widely used in hair conditioners as conditioning agents to make hair smooth and easy to comb. Meanwhile, they act as disinfectants, bactericides, and coating agents for organic bentonite, among other uses.

Zwitterionic Surfactants：Representatives are cetyl betaine and cetyl dimethyl amine oxide. Cetyl betaine features mild performance along with thickening and foam-stabilizing effects, making it suitable for high-end personal care products. Cetyl dimethyl amine oxide functions as a foaming agent, foam stabilizer, and thickener, and is applied in detergents and cosmetics.

Other Fields：DMA16 is used as an auxiliary agent in sectors such as the petroleum industry, textile printing and dyeing, and plastic processing.

Safety and Storage

From a safety perspective, DMA16 is irritating and corrosive to the skin and eyes, and contact may cause burns. Strict personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn during handling to avoid direct contact.

In case of skin or eyes contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 30 minutes and seek medical assistance.

Stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition, heat, and oxidizing agents.Store separately from incompatible substances such as acids.

Packaging

160 kg drums/bags.

Custom packaging available upon request.

FAQ