Hydrogenated tallowtrimonium chloride is a chemical compound, straight chain alkyl mixture, quaternary ammonium compound, primarily used in cosmetics and hair care products.
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- Hydrogenated indicates that the compound has been subjected to hydrogenation, a chemical process that adds hydrogen atoms to saturate double bonds present in fats and oils. This process alters the physical properties of the compound, making it more solid at room temperature.
- tallowtrimonium refers to tallowtrimonium, a compound derived from animal fat (tallow). This term indicates that the compound is a quaternary ammonium salt derived from tallow.
- chloride indicates that the compound contains chlorine, which is part of the structure of the quaternary ammonium salt.
Raw Materials and Their Functions
Tallow Fat. An animal fat used as the base for the production of hydrogenated tallowtrimonium chloride. It provides the lipid structure of the compound.
Hydrogen. Used in the hydrogenation process to saturate the double bonds in the fatty acids of tallow, improving stability and altering the physical properties of the compound.
Trimethylammonium Chloride. A cationic agent that reacts with hydrogenated tallow to form hydrogenated tallowtrimonium chloride.
Industrial Chemical Synthesis of Hydrogenated Tallowtrimonium Chloride
- Hydrogenation of tallow fat. During this reaction, hydrogen is added to the unsaturated double bonds of the fatty acids, making the product more stable and less prone to oxidation.
- Reaction with Trimethylammonium Chloride. After hydrogenation, the hydrogenated tallow is reacted with trimethylammonium chloride to form hydrogenated tallowtrimonium chloride.
- Reaction Control. The hydrogenation and formation reactions of hydrogenated tallowtrimonium chloride are monitored to ensure they occur correctly and the final product has the desired properties.
- Purification. After the reaction, hydrogenated tallowtrimonium chloride is purified to remove impurities and by-products.
- Quality Control. The purified hydrogenated tallowtrimonium chloride undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets the required standards. After quality control, it is packaged for use in hair care products, where it utilizes its conditioning properties.
Form and Color
Hydrogenated Tallowtrimonium Chloride is typically a waxy solid or a paste usually white or slightly yellowish.
What it is used for and where
Hydrogenated tallowtrimonium chloride is widely used in hair care products, such as conditioners and hair treatments. This ingredient is known for its conditioning properties, helping to detangle, soften, and reduce frizz in hair. It also improves hair combability and shine, making hair more manageable.
Cosmetics
It is a restricted ingredient as V/44 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported: Alkyl (C12-C22) trimethyl ammonium bromide and chloride.
Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: 0.1%
Antistatic agent. Static electricity build-up has a direct influence on products and causes electrostatic adsorption. The antistatic ingredient reduces static build-up and surface resistivity on the surface of the skin and hair.
Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.
Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Preservative. Any product containing organic, inorganic compounds, water, needs to be preserved from microbial contamination. Preservatives act against the development of harmful microorganisms and against oxidation of the product.
CAS 61788-78-1
EC number 263-005-9
Synonyms: Quaternary ammonium compounds, (hydrogenated tallow alkyl)trimethyl, chlorides
Trade name: Arquad HT-50
