Tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride hydrate stands out in the world of chemical raw materials because of its stability, reliability, and broad use. This quaternary ammonium compound combines high surface activity and antimicrobial strength in one molecule. A structure based around a benzyl group, two methyl groups, and a straight-chain tetradecyl tail grants it unique physical and chemical behavior. Its official HS Code identifies it among primary organic chemicals—a detail crucial when moving products across borders, tracking import-export laws, and managing regulatory paperwork.
Pure tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride hydrate can look a bit different depending on environmental factors. You might see it presented as solid flakes, crystalline powder, fine pearls, or even as a viscous liquid or clear solution. This wide presentation range isn’t just a manufacturing accident; it comes from the molecular structure and its strong affinity for water molecules, which creates the hydrate form. If you pick up a sample or open a drum, expect it to feel slightly greasy and to have a mild, chemical odor. In a lab or factory context, density values usually land around 0.98–1.02 g/cm³ for the solid, while the solution can vary with concentration. Chemists count on reliable density and solid-state forms for weighing, mixing, and reconstituting in targeted formulas.
Tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride hydrate’s structure includes a positively charged nitrogen core bonded to a long-chain alkyl group and aromatic ring, balanced by a chloride anion. The hydrate contains water molecules coordinated through ionic bonds, setting its molecular formula at C23H42ClN·xH2O, with x indicating the degree of hydration found in the batch. Each atom and bond affects the reactivity pattern—whether it’s used in disinfectant blends, oilfield injection fluids, or as a surfactant. There's no shortcut to understanding how those water molecules alter reactivity: for industrial chemists, even small shifts in the hydrate level can affect melting point, solubility, and shelf life.
Manufacturers provide this material in grades adapted for certain end uses. Most offer a purity level of at least 95% active compound, with minimum moisture content clearly declared. Particle size and bulk density are central specifications for firms that need consistent mixing and predictable dissolution. Companies order this compound by weight—often by the kilogram, drum, or liter, depending on whether they need solid flakes, pearls, or solution. It dissolves easily in water and some organic solvents, making it handy both in concentrated liquid form and as a stable crystal for shipping and long-term storage. Choosing the grade and form isn’t just box-ticking; it comes from hard-won experience with how product quality and format shape finished goods, shelf stability, and ease of use in automated dosing systems.
Understanding the risks of tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride hydrate keeps both workers and the environment safer. The cationic surfactant structure means it acts as an irritant on contact with skin, eyes, or mucosa. Accidental inhalation of dust, powder, or fine aerosol from handling the hydrate can cause respiratory discomfort or symptoms. Like most quaternary ammonium compounds, aquatic toxicity presents a serious environmental risk, especially at high concentrations and in poorly ventilated wastewater treatment systems. Chemical handlers use protective gloves, goggles, masks, and good ventilation as standard. I’ve worked with teams that tracked every shipment’s batch, labeling each container with the UN number and a full set of hazard statements. Most suppliers reference globally harmonized system (GHS) labeling, while local safety data sheets detail spill procedures and medical response steps. Safety isn’t an afterthought—companies that ignore training and regular hazard review see more incidents and higher insurance premiums. Professionals who store and move this chemical benefit from fixed sprinkler systems, proper secondary containment, and spill kits specifically rated for cationic surfactants and chlorides.
Tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride hydrate’s use owes much to its chemistry. Its ability to disrupt microbial membranes makes it a longtime favorite in industrial and institutional cleaning chemicals. Food-service facilities and hospitals use it in disinfection solutions, chosen over other biocides because of its strong action against bacteria and some viruses. The surfactant power comes alive in water treatment, oilfield separation, textile finishing, and even as an antistatic additive. My experience in chemical distribution has shown that customers buying this compound often need detailed certificates of analysis and proof of origin due to region-specific regulatory requirements. Tech staff balance function with cost, focusing on purity and solubility—the two factors that drive dosage precision and save on long-term costs.
Several routes promise future improvement. First, greener packaging and shipping procedures at the manufacturer stage would cut environmental accidents and ease recycling pains for users. More companies could take up batch-specific barcoding, integrating digital documentation for customs, transport, and workplace safety. For customers in sensitive sectors like agriculture or food production, expanded third-party lab testing and traceability give peace of mind against trace contaminants. Collaboration between suppliers and users, not a one-way street, could prompt new handling technologies that minimize airborne particulates and optimize dosing, cutting both waste and exposure. Where companies invest in better handler training, real-world experience shows both safety records and product outcomes improve.
Looking at the numbers, the material clocks in with a formula weight near 372 g/mol for the anhydrous form; the hydrate’s weight rises with additional water molecules. Full transparency on water content becomes crucial for tight dosing and for avoiding excess dilution in concentrate formulations. Governmental regulations set exposure limits and restrict use in some applications, but maintaining up-to-date compliance profiles helps users avoid fines and legal risks. Suppliers who offer detailed specification sheets and digital safety data updates support their clients in staying within legal bounds, especially as market requirements change and audits become more rigorous.
| Product Name | Tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride Hydrate |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 2923.90 |
| Formula | C23H42ClN·xH2O |
| Molecular Weight | 372 g/mol (anhydrous) |
| Forms | Flakes, crystals, pearls, powder, liquid, solution |
| Density | 0.98–1.02 g/cm³ (solid); solution variable |
| Hazards | Irritant (skin, eyes, mucosa), aquatic hazard |
| Applications | Disinfectant, surfactant, industrial cleaning, water treatment, oilfield fluids |
| Storage | Cool, dry, ventilated conditions; moisture protection |
