N-Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride

Definition

ChEBI: The organic chloride salt of cetyltrimethylammonium.

General Description

Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an odor of rubbing alcohol. Floats or sinks in water.

Reactivity Profile

Acidic salts, such as N-Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.

Hazard

A poison by ingestion and skin contact.

Health Hazard

Ingestion may produce toxic effects. Contact with eyes or skin may cause severe damage.

Flammability and Explosibility

Nonflammable

Purification Methods

Crystallise the chloride from acetone/ether mixture, EtOH/ether, or from MeOH. [Moss et al. J Am Chem Soc 109 4363 1987, Beilstein 4 IV 819.]