Tetradecyltrimethylammonium Bromide, often recognized by its chemical shorthand C17H38BrN, stands out as a quaternary ammonium compound typically encountered in both solid and powder forms. Some suppliers may offer it as flakes, crystals, or even as a concentrated liquid solution, adjusting the preparation to laboratory or industrial demands. The substance carries the HS Code 2923900000, linking it with the customs classification for import and export. The raw material itself emerges as a synthetic surfactant, drawing chemical roots from a blend of tetradecyl chains and a trimethylammonium group, balanced by a bromide anion. Its structure features a long hydrocarbon tail joined to a nitrogen atom, surrounded by three methyl groups, and paired oppositely by a bromine ion, which guides both its solubility and reactivity across different uses.
The pure compound exhibits a molecular weight of about 336.40 g/mol, which roughly describes its heft per molecule. Its colorless to white crystal or powder appearance, sometimes available as pearls or flakes, offers a clue to its purity and handling. The density usually settles around 0.98 g/cm3 for the solid, with adjustments based on form and packing. Melting begins in the range of 237-240°C, showing a strong lattice arrangement that only breaks under significant heating. In water, the material dissolves to form a clear solution, owing its success to the strong interaction between the positively charged nitrogen and the polar water molecules. It also dissolves moderately in solvents like ethanol. This amphiphilic nature brings out surfactant properties, making it valuable across cleaning applications, phase transfer catalysis, and other scenarios where bridging between water and oil is necessary.
Rigorous specifications guide the quality assurance of Tetradecyltrimethylammonium Bromide. Purity often exceeds 98% by testing through chromatographic or titrimetric methods. The expected loss on drying remains below 1%, so storage in airtight containers works best to avoid water uptake. At scale, chemical engineering and research industries find the material under the CAS number 1119-97-7, tying global databases to a single molecule. It sees heavy use as a raw material for research reagents in biochemistry, helping disperse or coagulate proteins, or in industrial processes for controlling static, managing emulsions, or sanitizing water. In my experience, anyone who’s handled surfactant chemistry recognizes the challenge of balancing solubility with biological compatibility, and this compound, though effective, must be checked for purity and concentration before introduction to biological systems.
Tetradecyltrimethylammonium Bromide does not escape the hazards tied to many synthetic surfactants. The solid and concentrated solutions can irritate skin and eyes, and breathing fine dust or vapors may cause respiratory discomfort. The chemical gains the “harmful” label under GHS standards; gloves, goggles, and local ventilation safeguard users in research and manufacturing environments. Disposal demands careful dilution and neutralization since high concentrations may affect aquatic life or disrupt waste treatment bacteria. Raw exposure data show moderate oral or dermal toxicity, so unprotected handling raises risks, and an accidental spill can foam up in drains or waterways. Industries and labs have to enforce training, with proper first-aid stations near work zones, and access to material safety data sheets for emergency guidance.
Dropped to the molecular line drawing, Tetradecyltrimethylammonium Bromide features a nitrogen core bonded to a fourteen-carbon chain and three methyl groups. The long hydrophobic tail extends lipid-like qualities, while the polar ammonium head anchors the molecule in water. Structural studies illustrate how the chemical packs into micelles, encapsulating oils or particulates for removal. The bromide counterion stabilizes the system, aiding in salt formation and cranking up solubility in various media. The fine powder suits rapid dissolution in analytical labs, while flakes and pearls help with measured dosing in pilot plants. Materials shipped in sealed drums or bottles under dry conditions keep contamination and caking at bay, ensuring the compound performs at full strength when needed most.
While Tetradecyltrimethylammonium Bromide functions well as a raw material, responsible sourcing and disposal define its long-term footprint. Many suppliers worldwide now publish origin certificates, batch testing results, and environmental impact assessments. Pressure grows, not just from regulators but from end-users, to pick chemicals that minimize harm after use. Some wastewater facilities check for surfactant residues, pushing researchers and industrial buyers to explore alternatives or implement closed-loop recycling. My time in environmental chemistry research showed that even a small molecule, released carelessly, can ripple through ecosystems. Facilities rely on dedicated spill kits, robust storage, and clear labeling, aligning daily practice with the community’s expectations for chemical safety and stewardship.
