BARLENE 1214 are alkyl dimethyl amines which are used as intermediates for the manufacture of quaternary ammonium compounds for antimicronial, textile, hair care, and industrial applications as well as the manufacture of amine oxides and betaine surfactants for personal care, industrial, and institutional use.
BARLENE 1214 is a tertiary amine, specifically N-Alkyl (C12–C16) N,N-dimethylamine, with a CAS number 68439-70-3.
BARLENE 1214’s a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a distinctive fishy odor and is used as a key intermediate in the chemical industry.
CAS Number: 68439-70-3
Molecular Formula: C28H59N
Molecular Weight: 409.77476
EINECS Number: 270-414-6
Synonyms: Dimethyl dodecyl-tetradecyl amine, 68439-70-3, Amines, C12-16-alkyldimethyl;(C12-C16)-Alkyldimethylamine;Dimethyldodecyl/tetradecylamine;Alkyl (C12-16) dimethylamine oxide, (C12-16)alkyldimethylamine;Barlene(R) 12, diimethyloctadecylamine;CL240
BARLENE 1214's employed in the manufacture of quaternary ammonium compounds, which find applications across a variety of sectors—including antimicrobial agents, textiles, hair care products, and industrial formulations.
BARLENE 1214 also serves as a precursor in producing amine oxides and betaine surfactants, both of which are widely used in personal care, institutional, and industrial products
BARLENE 1214 is N-alkyl dimethylamine carrying a carbon chain in the range of C12 to C16, which grants it specific properties making it suitable for use as a building block in formulating quaternary ammonium compounds.
BARLENE 1214s are valued for their versatility and effectiveness in areas such as antimicrobial treatments, detergent formulations, textile conditioning, and hair care.
In addition, BARLENE 1214 can be further processed to produce amine oxides, known for gentle cleansing properties, and betaine surfactants, which are biodegradable and commonly used in both personal care and heavy-duty industrial cleaning products.
Physically, this chemical presents as a pale liquid with a faint yellow hue and emits a fishy odor — typical of many amines.
BARLENE 1214 is a trade name for a mixture of tertiary alkyldimethylamines, primarily consisting of carbon chains with 12 (C₁₂) and 14 (C₁₄) carbon atoms, along with trace amounts of longer chains such as C₁₆.
This blend typically contains approximately 62–68% C₁₂, up to 38% C₁₄, along with about 2% C₁₆, and a few other minor components.
BARLENE 1214 is a chemical substance that belongs to the group of tertiary alkyldimethylamines.
BARLENE 1214 is usually produced as a mixture where the main components have carbon chains containing twelve (C12) and fourteen (C14) carbon atoms, although smaller amounts of other chain lengths such as C16 may also be present.
Because it is a mixture, its physical and chemical properties are slightly variable depending on the exact ratio of its components.
In appearance, BARLENE 1214 is generally a clear to slightly yellow liquid with a noticeable amine-like or fishy odor, which is typical for this class of compounds.
The defining feature of BARLENE 1214 is that it is a tertiary amine, meaning the nitrogen atom is bonded to three organic groups: two small methyl groups and one long alkyl chain.
The length of this alkyl chain is what gives the compound its particular name and properties.
Because the chain is long and hydrophobic, while the nitrogen has polar reactivity, the molecule is particularly suitable as a building block for surfactants and other surface-active materials.
The reason BARLENE 1214 is so widely used lies in its balance between a hydrophobic tail and a reactive nitrogen head group.
The long hydrocarbon chain interacts with oils, greases, and microbial membranes, while the nitrogen group allows the molecule to be chemically modified into highly functional products.
In this way, it acts as a chemical foundation upon which many everyday cleaning and disinfecting substances are built.
Boiling point: 285℃ at 100.1kPa
Density: 0.794g/cm3 at 20℃
vapor pressure: 0.02-9.4Pa at 20-50℃
LogP: 1.3-5.1 at 20℃ and pH7.1-8.8
Surface tension: 26.5mN/m at 1g/L and 25℃
Dissociation constant: 9.78 at 25℃
BARLENE 1214 is rarely used in its raw form but is highly valuable as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
By further reacting the tertiary amine with other chemicals, manufacturers can produce quaternary ammonium salts.
BARLENE 1214s are famous for their antimicrobial and disinfecting abilities, which makes them essential in cleaning agents, sanitizers, textile treatments, and water purification systems.
BARLENE 1214 can be transformed into amine oxides.
These derivatives are known for their mild cleaning performance, foam boosting ability, and compatibility with both acidic and alkaline formulations.
They are widely found in shampoos, hand soaps, dishwashing liquids, and personal care products that need both cleansing power and gentleness.
Betaine surfactants: Another major transformation of Barlene 1214 is into betaines, a group of amphoteric surfactants.
Betaines are appreciated for being mild, skin-friendly, and biodegradable, which is why they appear in baby shampoos, facial cleansers, and environmentally conscious household products.
Even before conversion, Barlene 1214 itself can show bactericidal properties, meaning it can directly damage or disrupt microorganisms.
This makes it useful in certain formulations where microbial control is needed.
Like many fatty amines, Barlene 1214 should be handled with care. The substance may cause skin and eye irritation on direct contact, and inhalation of vapors can be unpleasant due to its strong odor.
It is typically stored in sealed containers under controlled conditions to avoid degradation or reaction with atmospheric oxygen.
When transformed into its derivatives, especially quaternary ammonium salts and betaines, the products are much milder and safer for consumer use.
Without compounds like Barlene 1214, the modern cleaning and personal care industry would look very different.
BARLENE 1214 provides the raw material base for a wide spectrum of formulations, ranging from hospital disinfectants and industrial degreasers to cosmetic cleansers and household detergents.
BARLENE 1214s versatility and effectiveness are why it remains a chemical of considerable industrial importance.
These are tertiary amines, specifically N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylamines, where the alkyl group ranges from 12 to 14 carbons.
BARLENE 1214 is best understood as a mixture of fatty tertiary amines, most prominently N-dodecyldimethylamine (C12) and N-tetradecyldimethylamine (C14).
These molecules share a common structure: a nitrogen atom bonded to two short methyl groups and one long hydrophobic chain.
Because the carbon chain lengths vary slightly, the mixture does not have a single sharp melting point but instead remains liquid at room temperature, with a faintly yellow coloration and a characteristic amine odor.
The amphiphilic nature of the molecule—partly hydrophobic and partly reactive—makes it especially useful as a precursor in surfactant chemistry.
BARLENE 1214 is typically produced by the reaction of dimethylamine with long-chain alkyl halides or fatty alcohol derivatives.
Manufacturers adjust the reaction conditions to favor chain lengths between twelve and fourteen carbons, although small proportions of C16 and longer chains often appear naturally, depending on the feedstock.
Once obtained, the crude amine is purified and stabilized for safe storage and shipping.
From this point, it is sold to downstream industries as a chemical intermediate rather than a finished product.
In the cosmetics industry, Barlene 1214 is not usually applied directly but is converted into derivatives such as amine oxides and betaines.
These derivatives are found in shampoos, shower gels, conditioners, and facial cleansers because they provide foam, mild cleansing action, and compatibility with skin.
They also act as co-surfactants, meaning they boost the performance of other cleaning agents while reducing harshness.
Quaternization of Barlene 1214 produces quaternary ammonium salts, which serve as disinfectants and sanitizers.
These materials are present in floor cleaners, fabric softeners, dishwashing formulations, and surface disinfectants.
Their dual function—cleaning and killing microbes—makes them indispensable in kitchens, hospitals, and food-processing areas.
In more technical contexts, Barlene 1214 derivatives are employed as emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and antistatic agents.
For example, in textile production, they help soften fabrics and reduce static buildup, while in agriculture, they may act as components of adjuvants that improve the spread of pesticides on plant leaves.
Even before modification, the tertiary amine mixture itself shows some bactericidal effects, especially against microorganisms with lipid-rich membranes.
This makes it suitable for use in specialized cleaning products where raw amines are tolerated.
Because it is a concentrated amine, Barlene 1214 can be corrosive to skin and eyes, and its vapors may irritate the respiratory system.
Direct exposure should therefore be avoided through the use of protective gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation.
In industrial settings, it is stored in airtight metal or polymer containers, often under nitrogen or other inert atmospheres, to prevent oxidation and degradation.
Spills should be neutralized carefully, since the liquid can react with strong oxidizers and acids.
Uses:
Amines, C12-16-alkyldimethyl are Barlene(R) tertiary amines that used as chemical intermediates for the manufacture of quaternary ammonium compounds, amine oxide and betaine surfactants
BARLENE 1214 is mainly valued not as a final product but as a key intermediate in the manufacture of a wide range of surfactants and functional chemicals, meaning it is an essential starting point for creating other compounds that end up in both industrial and consumer applications.
One of its most important uses is in the production of quaternary ammonium compounds, often called “quats,” which are highly effective antimicrobial agents.
When converted into quats, BARLENE 1214 becomes part of disinfectants and sanitizers that are applied in hospitals, food-processing plants, and households to kill bacteria, fungi, and some viruses on surfaces, textiles, and equipment.
In addition, these quaternary compounds are frequently added to fabric softeners and antistatic agents in the textile industry, where they improve softness, reduce static electricity, and extend the life of fabrics.
Another major use of BARLENE 1214 is its transformation into amine oxides, which are mild but highly functional surfactants.
Amine oxides derived from BARLENE 1214 are widely included in shampoos, liquid soaps, dishwashing liquids, and body washes because they help create stable foam, enhance cleaning performance, and remain gentle on skin and hair.
These derivatives also act as co-surfactants that boost the efficiency of other cleaning agents, making formulations more effective while keeping them safe for daily use.
BARLENE 1214 is also converted into betaine surfactants, which are amphoteric and therefore adaptable to different pH conditions.
These betaines are particularly valued in personal care products such as baby shampoos, facial cleansers, and sensitive-skin body washes, because they are known for being both mild and biodegradable.
In industrial cleaning formulations, betaines made from BARLENE 1214 improve detergency, enhance foam stability, and ensure that cleaning agents remain effective even under demanding conditions.
Beyond personal and household care, BARLENE 1214 derivatives are applied in specialized industrial and agricultural sectors.
In textiles and leather processing, they are used as emulsifiers and conditioning agents that provide softness and prevent static buildup.
In the oil and gas industry, they may act as corrosion inhibitors that protect metal surfaces from chemical attack.
In agriculture, derivatives are added to pesticide formulations as adjuvants that improve wetting, spreading, and adherence of the active ingredient to plant surfaces, thereby increasing effectiveness.
Finally, even in its unmodified form, BARLENE 1214 has some biocidal activity, which means it can be incorporated into certain niche formulations where raw fatty amines are acceptable and beneficial for microbial control.
This gives it a limited but direct role in disinfection and preservation.
BARLENE 1214 is widely used as a precursor for mild surfactants that appear in shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, facial cleansers, and baby-care products.
After conversion into amine oxides or betaine surfactants, it contributes properties such as rich foam formation, gentle cleansing action, and compatibility with skin and hair.
Because betaines are amphoteric, they can adjust to different pH environments, which allows manufacturers to design shampoos that remain stable and effective whether they are slightly acidic (for hair care) or closer to neutral (for baby products).
In this way, Barlene 1214 helps create products that clean efficiently but do not strip away natural oils or irritate sensitive skin.
Another important use of Barlene 1214 is its role in the production of quaternary ammonium compounds, which are the backbone of many disinfectants and sanitizers.
These quats are included in multi-purpose household cleaners, dishwashing liquids, fabric softeners, and surface wipes because they provide antimicrobial protection along with cleaning power.
In institutional settings such as hospitals, schools, and commercial kitchens, quats derived from Barlene 1214 ensure that surfaces are hygienic by killing bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses.
This combination of cleaning and disinfection makes it indispensable in modern sanitation systems.
In industry, Barlene 1214 derivatives serve as emulsifiers, wetting agents, and corrosion inhibitors.
For example, in metalworking fluids, the derivatives help keep oil and water phases stable, protect machinery from rust, and improve the lubricating qualities of cutting fluids.
In the textile industry, these compounds act as softening and antistatic agents, which improve the feel of fabrics and reduce the buildup of static charges during processing and use.
In the paint and coatings sector, Barlene 1214 derivatives are sometimes used as additives that improve pigment dispersion and coating stability, ensuring even application and durability.
BARLENE 1214 also finds uses in agriculture when converted into adjuvants for pesticide formulations.
These adjuvants are not the active ingredients themselves but are essential helpers: they improve the spreading, wetting, and penetration of pesticides on plant surfaces.
Without such agents, many pesticides would form droplets that roll off leaves, reducing their effectiveness.
By enhancing the interaction between pesticides and plant surfaces, derivatives of Barlene 1214 increase efficiency, reduce waste, and contribute to better crop protection practices.
Quaternary ammonium compounds derived from Barlene 1214 are also used in water treatment, where they serve as biocides that control microbial growth in cooling towers, pipelines, and storage tanks.
Their ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes makes them effective in preventing biofilm formation, which can otherwise lead to blockages, corrosion, and reduced system efficiency.
By ensuring that water systems remain free of harmful microbial buildup, these derivatives protect both industrial infrastructure and public health.
Safety Profile:
BARLENE 1214, being a fatty tertiary amine, can be corrosive or irritating to human tissue if handled in its raw form. Direct skin contact may cause redness, burning sensations, or even chemical burns in severe cases.
If it comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause serious irritation, watering, pain, and possible long-term damage to vision if not rinsed out immediately.
Inhalation of vapors or aerosols can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, throat irritation, or difficulty breathing, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Accidental ingestion is dangerous because the chemical can cause burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal pain.
Repeated or prolonged exposure, even at lower levels, may cause dryness of the skin, sensitization, or inflammation, since amines are known to defat and weaken the skin barrier.
Although BARLENE 1214 is not considered highly flammable, it is still an organic compound that can burn if exposed to fire or high heat.
In case of combustion, it may release toxic fumes such as nitrogen oxides and other irritating vapors, which pose an additional hazard to firefighters and nearby workers.
The chemical is reactive toward strong oxidizers and acids, and uncontrolled reactions may lead to the release of heat and hazardous gases.
Therefore, it should always be stored separately from incompatible chemicals and kept in well-sealed containers.
BARLENE 1214 and other fatty tertiary amines are toxic to aquatic life, particularly fish and invertebrates, because they can disrupt cell membranes and interfere with normal biological processes.
If spilled in waterways, even relatively small amounts can have a significant negative impact on aquatic ecosystems.
BARLENE 1214 can also bind strongly to sediments and soil, which means it may persist in the environment unless properly degraded by microorganisms.
Although derivatives such as betaines are much more biodegradable, the parent amine itself requires careful handling to prevent environmental contamination.