Overview
Cetrimonium bromide (CAS 57-09-0 ), commonly known as CTAB, is a quaternary ammonium surfactant used across pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial applications. It functions primarily as a cationic surfactant and conditioning agent.
This material acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, making it a go-to ingredient where surface activity and biocidal performance are required together. In hair care formulations, CTAB conditions and detangles fibers.
By adsorbing onto negatively charged hair, it reduces static and improves combability. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a preservative and solubilizer in topical preparations to support product stability.
Its antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and fungi is highly valued in medical settings. In laboratory and biotech environments, CTAB is a standard reagent for DNA extraction protocols from plant samples.
It selectively precipitates nucleic acids from microbial samples for research. Industrial cleaning and disinfection formulations also incorporate it as an active biocide, particularly in surface sanitizers.
It is especially effective when targeting gram-positive bacteria in industrial environments. The product is supplied as a white crystalline powder or as aqueous solutions at various concentrations.
Standard grades include pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP and BP specifications, as well as technical-grade for industrial applications. Packaging ranges from laboratory quantities to bulk supply.
Purity is typically specified at 96% or higher for pharmaceutical use. This ensures the highest level of performance and safety across all sensitive manufacturing and laboratory applications.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 240 °C |
| Density | 0.8075 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Flash Point | 244 °C |
| Appearance | white powder |
| Color | white |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | 13 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Refractive Index | 1.5260 (estimate) |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 (25℃, 0.1M in H2O) |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS08 GHS09 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H312 Harmful in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H370 Causes damage to organs H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H400 Very toxic to aquatic life H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29239000 |
| UN Number | 3077 |
| ADR Class | 9 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 57-09-0
- EC Number
- 200-311-3
- Mol. Weight
- 364.4
- HS Code
- 29239000
- Category
- Amines