Decylamine oxide is an organic compound, often used as a surfactant and foaming agent in various cleaning products, personal care products (such as shampoos and body washes), and industrial applications.
It is derived from decylamine, which is a long-chain amine, and is oxidized to form the amine oxide structure.
Decylamine oxide is typically known for its ability to enhance foam stability and reduce irritation compared to other surfactants.
CAS Number: 1643-20-5
Synonyms:,N-Decylamine oxide,Decylamine N-oxide,N-Decyl-N-oxide,1-Decylamine oxide
C10H21NO (Chemical formula)
Introduction to Decylamine Oxide
Definition: Decylamine Oxide is a surfactant commonly used in personal care products and industrial applications.
It is an amine oxide, characterized by a nitrogen atom bonded to an alkyl group (in this case, decyl, which refers to a 10-carbon chain) and an oxygen atom.
Its chemical structure provides surfactant properties, making it highly effective in cleaning, foaming, and emulsifying.
Historical Development: The synthesis and commercial use of amine oxides date back to the mid-20th century, with Decylamine Oxide being one of the more prominent derivatives in industrial applications. Initially, its role was centered around its ability to work as a foaming agent and stabilizer in cleaning agents.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure: The molecular formula of Decylamine Oxide is C10H21NO.
It consists of a decyl group (C10H21) attached to a nitrogen atom, which is further connected to an oxygen atom. This structure enables its amphoteric properties (acting as both a cation and an anion under different conditions).
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Clear to yellowish liquid, depending on purity.
Melting Point: Generally ranges from -5°C to -10°C.
Boiling Point: Around 250°C.
Density: Approximately 0.9–1.0 g/cm³.
Solubility: Decylamine Oxide is highly soluble in water and alcohols, which makes it an effective surfactant in aqueous formulations.
It also exhibits excellent solubility in a variety of oils, allowing it to be used in both water-based and oil-based formulations.
pH and Stability: It is stable in a wide range of pH levels, typically functioning best in neutral to mildly acidic or basic environments.
However, it is sensitive to extreme pH values, which could affect its foaming or emulsifying properties.
Synthesis of Decylamine Oxide
Raw Materials: The primary raw material for Decylamine Oxide is decylamine, which is derived from decane, a long-chain alkane.
This raw material undergoes oxidation to form the amine oxide.
Synthesis Process: The synthesis generally involves the reaction of decylamine with hydrogen peroxide or an oxidizing agent in the presence of a catalyst.
This produces Decylamine Oxide and water as the byproduct. The typical reaction is as follows:
R-NH2+H2O2→R-NO+H2OR-NH 2+H2O2→R-NO+H2O
Where R represents the decyl group.
After synthesis, the product is purified to remove any unreacted starting materials and byproducts.
Applications of Decylamine Oxide
Industrial Uses:
Detergents and Cleaners: Decylamine Oxide is an excellent surfactant that is used in cleaning agents such as dishwashing liquids, industrial floor cleaners, and degreasers.
Its ability to break down oils and grease makes it effective in these applications.
Emulsifiers: Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, it helps emulsify oil and water phases, providing stable formulations for lotions, creams, and shampoos.
Foam Stabilizers: Due to its foaming properties, Decylamine Oxide is used in products like shampoos, body washes, and other personal care products.
Personal Care:
Shampoos and Conditioners: It imparts mildness and improves the foaming and conditioning properties of hair care products.
Facial Cleansers: It’s used as a mild cleanser that reduces irritation compared to harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
Other Applications: It also finds use in oilfield applications, textile treatment, and agriculture as a dispersant and emulsifier.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Decylamine Oxide
Benefits:
Mildness: It is milder than many other surfactants, making it ideal for use in personal care products.
Biodegradability: Decylamine Oxide is biodegradable, which makes it an environmentally friendly choice in cleaning products.
Versatility: It works well in a variety of formulations and can be used in both acidic and alkaline environments.
Stability: It remains stable over time and does not degrade easily under normal conditions.
Drawbacks:
Cost: It is generally more expensive than some other surfactants, which could make products containing Decylamine Oxide more expensive.
Environmental Impact: While biodegradable, its environmental impact depends on concentration and usage, as large-scale discharge could still have effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Potential for Irritation: At higher concentrations, Decylamine Oxide can cause skin and eye irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.
Alternative Compounds to Decylamine Oxide
Other Surfactants: Alternatives to Decylamine Oxide include:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Derived from coconut oil, it’s a milder surfactant commonly used in personal care products.
Alkylpolyglucosides (APGs): These are also mild, biodegradable surfactants used in green cleaning products.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A more potent surfactant that is commonly used but harsher on the skin.
Comparison: Decylamine Oxide is often preferred over other surfactants in applications where mildness and biodegradability are required.
While alternatives like SLS may perform better in heavy-duty cleaning, they can cause irritation and environmental harm.
Conclusion
This document will provide an in-depth view of Decylamine Oxide, showcasing its essential role in the industrial and personal care sectors while acknowledging its environmental and safety concerns.
The comprehensive understanding of this compound’s properties, synthesis, applications, and alternatives will enable better decision-making regarding its use in various products.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT DECYLAMINE OXIDE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product