Cocamidopropyl betaine is a mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil fatty acids, widely used in personal care and cleaning formulations.
Cocamidopropyl betaine provides excellent foam boosting, viscosity enhancement, and gentle cleansing properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin applications.
Cocamidopropyl betaine also works as a foam enhancer and is used in numerous personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, mouthwashes, cleansers, etc.
CAS Number: 61789-40-0
EC Number: 263-058-8
Chemical formula: C19H38N2O3
Molar mass: 342.524 g·mol−1
Synonyms: Cocamidopropyl Betaine, CAPB, Coco Betaine, Coconut Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Dimethyl Betaine, Cocoamphopropionate Betaine, Alkylamidopropyl Betaine, Fatty Acid Betaine, Amphoteric Betaine Surfactant, Zwitterionic Surfactant, Coco-Based Amphoteric Surfactant, Mild Surfactant Betaine, Foam Booster Betaine, Detergent Betaine, Personal Care Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine Solution, Coconut-Derived Betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil fatty acids, widely used in personal care and cleaning formulations.
Cocamidopropyl betaine provides excellent foam boosting, viscosity enhancement, and gentle cleansing properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin applications.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is commonly used in combination with anionic surfactants to improve mildness and overall formulation performance.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant made from coconut oil.
Fatty acids from coconut oil are reacted with 3-dimethylaminopropyl amine to form an amide, which is then reacted with another agent (sodium monochloroacetate) to form cocamidopropyl betaine.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is an amphoteric surfactant – meaning it possesses both acidic and basic groups.
Cocamidopropyl betaine comes as a clear yellow liquid, is odorless, and is naturally soluble in water.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil.
Cocamidopropyl betaine also works as a foam enhancer and is used in numerous personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, mouthwashes, cleansers, etc.
Cocamidopropyl betaine contains a mixture of fatty acids from coconut oil and propylene glycol.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is used in personal care products to clean the skin and hair as it lifts and removes oil from them.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a milder surfactant than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a mixture of closely related organic compounds derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is available as a viscous pale yellow solution and it is used as a surfactant in personal care products and animal husbandry.
The name reflects that the major part of the molecule, the lauric acid group, is derived from coconut oil.
Cocamidopropyl betaine to a significant degree has replaced cocamide DEA.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is defined as a commercially important amphoteric surfactant, derived from coconut or palm-kernel oil, that is widely used as a foam booster in personal and home care products due to its favorable safety profile and performance.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a zwitterion, consisting of both a quaternary ammonium cation and a carboxylate.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is used as a medium strength surfactant.
Cocamidopropyl betaine, found in coconut oil, is an amphoteric surfactant widely utilized in an array of products spanning shampoos, body washes, cosmetics, and household cleaners.
Functioning as a gentle surfactant, Cocamidopropyl betaine effectively reduces surface tension and generates a foaming action when combined with water.
Furthermore, Cocamidopropyl betaine exhibits remarkable abilities in stabilizing and emulsifying other ingredients within various formulations.
Beyond its practical applications, cocamidopropyl betaine plays a significant role in scientific research.
Cocamidopropyl betaine has been employed to investigate the impact of surfactants on the environment and has contributed to the development of novel surfactants.
Uses of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Cocamidopropyl betaine is used in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers to enhance foam and improve mild cleansing performance.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is applied in liquid soaps and hand washes to increase viscosity and reduce irritation.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is utilized in baby care and sensitive skin products due to its gentle and low-irritation properties.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is used in household and industrial cleaning formulations to improve detergency and foam stability.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is incorporated into sulfate-based systems to reduce harshness and improve skin compatibility.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is used in many personal care and household products as a surfactant, foam enhancer, and thickening agent.
Skin care:
As a medium-strength surfactant in bath and body products, removing oil from the skin.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is used as a foam enhancer in body washes and as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics.
Hair care:
Cocamidopropyl betaine eliminates oil from hair.
Cocamidopropyl betaine in shampoos works as a foam booster and creates a rich lather after coming in contact with water.
Cocamidopropyl betaine adds viscosity to hair conditioners and makes them creamier and richer.
Cocamidopropyl betaine also serves as an antistatic agent in hair conditioners
Uses and Benefits:
Besides the goodness of coconut oil, Cocamidopropyl betaine's application relies on the excellence of its formulation.
Being a mild surfactant, Cocamidopropyl betaine is gentle on the skin and also compatible with other ingredients and surfactants.
Cocamidopropyl betaine forms a film on the skin and hair, binding or trapping water molecules.
In this way, Cocamidopropyl betaine conditions the skin and hair.
Cocamidopropyl betaine provides good static protection, which is particularly desirable in shampoo preparation as it prevents hair from flying.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is used in body washes, foam baths, cleansing lotions, creams, hand soaps, baby products, and conditioners.
Chemistry of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a fatty acid amide that contains a long hydrocarbon chain at one end and a polar group at the other.
This allows Cocamidopropyl betaine to act as a surfactant and as a detergent.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a zwitterion, consisting of both a quaternary ammonium cation and a carboxylate.
Specifications and Properties of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Cocamidopropyl betaine is used as a foam booster in shampoos.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a medium-strength surfactant also used in bath products like hand soaps.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is also used in cosmetics as an emulsifying agent and thickener, and to reduce the irritation that purely ionic surfactants would cause.
Cocamidopropyl betaine also serves as an antistatic agent in hair conditioners, which most often does not irritate skin or mucous membranes.
However, some studies indicate Cocamidopropyl betaine is an allergen.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is also used as a co-surfactant with Sodium dodecyl sulfate for promoting the formation of gas hydrates.
Cocamidopropyl betaine, as an additive, helps to scale up the gas hydrates' formation process.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is obtained as an aqueous solution in concentrations of about 30%.
Typical impurities of leading manufacturers today:
Sodium monochloroacetate < 5 ppm
Amidoamine (AA) < 0.3%
Dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) < 15 ppm
Glycerol < 3%
The impurities AA and DMAPA are most critical, as they have been shown to be responsible for skin sensitization reactions.
These by-products can be avoided by a moderate excess chloroacetate and the exact adjustment of pH value during betainization reaction accompanied by regular analytical control.
Origin of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Cocamidopropyl betaine is produced in a two-step manner, first, by reacting dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) with fatty acids from coconut or palm kernel oil.
The more reactive primary amine from DMAPA leads to the selective formation of amide.
In the second step, chloroacetic acid reacts with the remaining tertiary amine to form a quaternary ammonium center.
Production of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Despite the name cocamidopropyl betaine, the molecule is not synthesized from betaine.
Instead Cocamidopropyl betaine is produced in a two-step manner, beginning with the reaction of dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) with fatty acids from coconut or palm kernel oil (lauric acid, or its methyl ester, is the main constituent).
The primary amine in DMAPA is more reactive than the tertiary amine, leading to its selective addition to form an amide.
In the second step chloroacetic acid reacts with the remaining tertiary amine to form a quaternary ammonium center (a quaternization reaction).
CH3(CH2)10COOH + H2NCH2CH2CH2N(CH3)2 → CH3(CH2)10CONHCH2CH2CH2N(CH3)2
CH3(CH2)10CONHCH2CH2CH2N(CH3)2 + ClCH2CO2H + NaOH → CH3(CH2)10CONHCH2CH2CH2N+(CH3)2CH2CO2− + NaCl + H2O
Stability and Reactivity of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Chemical stability:
Cocamidopropyl betaine is stable under normal conditions of use, handling, and storage.
Reactivity:
Cocamidopropyl betaine shows low reactivity.
Does not undergo hazardous reactions under normal conditions.
Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat.
Contamination.
Prolonged exposure to air.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Hazardous decomposition products:
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon oxides (CO, CO₂).
Nitrogen-containing fumes may be released.
Handling and Storage of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene practices.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Avoid prolonged skin exposure.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Storage conditions:
Protect from extreme temperatures.
Protect from contamination.
Packaging materials:
Use compatible plastic or lined containers.
Shelf life:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
First Aid Measures of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin contact:
Wash thoroughly with water and soap.
Eye contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Seek medical advice if irritation continues.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth.
Seek medical advice if necessary.
Most important symptoms:
Mild irritation may occur with prolonged exposure.
Firefighting Measures of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray.
Foam.
Dry chemical powder.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Specific hazards:
May release irritating fumes.
Carbon oxides may be generated when exposed to fire.
Protective equipment for firefighters:
Use self-contained breathing apparatus.
Wear protective clothing.
Special precautions:
Avoid inhalation of combustion gases.
Accidental Release Measures of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Personal precautions:
Avoid contact.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent large quantities from entering drains or water systems.
Methods for cleanup:
Absorb with inert material such as sand or vermiculite.
Collect for disposal.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Occupational exposure limits:
Not specifically established.
Engineering controls:
Provide adequate ventilation.
Respiratory protection:
Not normally required.
Use mask if aerosol or mist is generated.
Hand protection:
Use protective gloves.
Eye protection:
Use safety goggles.
Skin protection:
Wear standard protective clothing.
Hygiene measures:
Wash hands after handling.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Identifiers of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
CAS Number: 61789-40-0
EC Number: 263-058-8
Molecular Formula: Not fixed
Molecular Weight: Variable
Chemical Class: Amphoteric surfactant
Structure Type: Zwitterionic
Origin: Coconut-derived fatty acids
CAS Number: 61789-40-0
Chem/IUPAC Name: 2-[3-(dodecanoylamino)propyl-dimethylazaniumyl]acetate
EINECS/ELINCS No: 263-058-8
COSING REF No: 75231
PubChem CID: 20280
MDL Number: MFCD00239947
EC Number: 263-058-8
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)NCCC[N+](C)(C)CC(=O)[O-]
CAS Number: 61789-40-0
ChemSpider: 19106
ECHA InfoCard: 100.057.308
EC Number: 263-058-8
PubChem CID: 20280
UNII: 5OCF3O11KX
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID6028072
InChI: InChI=1S/C19H38N2O3/c1-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-14-18(22)20-15-13-16-21(2,3)17-19(23)24/h4-17H2,1-3H3,(H-,20,22,23,24)
Key: MRUAUOIMASANKQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1/C19H38N2O3/c1-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-14-18(22)20-15-13-16-21(2,3)17-19(23)24/h4-17H2,1-3H3,(H-,20,22,23,24)
Key: MRUAUOIMASANKQ-UHFFFAOYAL
SMILES:
CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)NCCC[N+](C)(C)CC([O-])=O
CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)NCCC[N+](C)(C)CC(=O)[O-]
[O-]C(=O)C[N+](CCCNC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCC)(C)C
Properties of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
Chemical formula: C19H38N2O3
Molar mass: 342.524 g·mol−1
Appearance: Clear to slight yellow liquid
Density: 1.05 g/cm3
Melting point: < −10 °C (14 °F; 263 K)
Boiling point: > 100 °C (212 °F; 373 K)
Solubility in water: Soluble
Viscosity: < 100 cP (30°C)
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
pH (10% solution): ~5.0–7.0
Density: ~1.00–1.05 g/cm³
Viscosity: Medium
Solubility: Fully miscible with water
Active Content: Typically 30–35% (aqueous solution)
Foaming: High; excellent foam booster and stabilizer
Surface Activity: Good detergency and wetting performance
Stability: Stable over a wide pH range
Formulation: 30% aqueous solution
Physical State: Liquid
Storage: Store at room temperature
Melting Point: 282.96° C (Predicted)
Boiling Point: 650.63° C (Predicted)
Names of Cocamidopropyl Betaine:
IUPAC name:
{[3-(Dodecanoylamino)propyl](dimethyl)ammonio}acetate
Other name:
2-[(3-Dodecanamidopropyl)dimethylaminio]acetate