EMPIGEN HBC 40

EMPIGEN HBC 40 is an aqueous cationic surfactant containing approximately 40% active Hydroxyethyl Laurdimonium Chloride, used to improve wetting, detergency, and emulsification in cleaning formulations.
EMPIGEN HBC 40's compatibility with anionic surfactants makes it a versatile co-surfactant for mixed systems, where it can enhance foaming, support thickening, and improve surface tension reduction.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 also promotes adhesion to certain surfaces and provides some conditioning behavior, adding functional benefits to suitable detergent formulations.

CAS Number: 68131-39-5
EC Number: 263-058-8
Molecular Formula: C19H38N2O3
Molecular Weight: ~342 g/mol

Synonyms: Nonionic Surfactant HBC 40, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Surfactant, Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol, Polyoxyethylene C12–C15 Alcohol Ether, Alcohol Ethoxylate 40EO, Wetting Agent EMPIGEN HBC 40, Emulsifier EMPIGEN Series, EMPIGEN HBC 40, Cocamidopropyl Betaine 40%, CAPB 40%, EMPIGEN HBC, EMPIGEN HBC Solution, EMPIGEN HBC Concentrate, EMPIGEN HBC Surfactant, EMPIGEN HBC Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine Solution, Cocamidopropyl Betaine Concentrate, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Surfactant, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Betaine, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Amphoteric Surfactant, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Detergent Base, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Foaming Agent, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Foam Booster, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Cleansing Agent, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Wetting Agent, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Conditioner, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Thickener, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Viscosity Modifier, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Emulsifier, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Dispersant, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Solubilizer, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Stabilizer, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Processing Aid, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Mild Surfactant, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Skin-Friendly Surfactant, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Hair Conditioning Agent, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Skin Conditioning Agent, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Amphoteric Cleaner, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Secondary Surfactant, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Co-Surfactant, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Cosmetic Grade, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Pharmaceutical Grade, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Technical Grade, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Industrial Grade, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Laboratory Grade, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Research Grade, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Pure, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Extra Pure, EMPIGEN HBC 40 High Purity, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Refined, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Stabilized, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Certified, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Certified Standard, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Analytical Standard, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Laboratory Standard, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Certified Reagent, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Laboratory Reagent, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Test Reagent, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Bulk Chemical, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Commercial Grade, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Raw Material, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Fine Chemical, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Specialty Chemical, EMPIGEN HBC 40 Active Ingredient

EMPIGEN HBC 40 is a cationic surfactant supplied by Innospec as an aqueous solution containing approximately 40% active material.
EMPIGEN HBC 40's INCI name is Hydroxyethyl Laurdimonium Chloride, and its alkyl chains are predominantly C12–C14.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 is compatible with anionic surfactants, making it useful as a co-surfactant in cleaning formulations.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 improves wetting and detergency by supporting surface tension reduction.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 also enhances emulsification, foaming, and thickening in suitable surfactant systems.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 can promote adhesion to certain surfaces and provide some conditioning properties.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 has the molecular formula approximately C19H38NO4S.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 has an average molecular weight near 376 g/mol.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 appears as a clear to pale yellow viscous liquid.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 has a mild, characteristic odor.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 is completely soluble in water and compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 exhibits excellent stability across wide pH ranges.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 provides outstanding foam persistence even in hard water conditions.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 is safe for industrial and institutional use when handled properly.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 conforms to global standards for surfactant safety and performance.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 is a highly versatile cationic surfactant consisting of approximately 40% active hydroxyethyl laurdimonium chloride in aqueous solution.
As a quaternary ammonium compound, EMPIGEN HBC 40 carries a permanent positive charge, which gives it strong affinity for negatively charged surfaces such as metal oxides, glass, and many organic residues.

This electrostatic interaction enhances its ability to provide excellent wetting, emulsification, and detergency, making EMPIGEN HBC 40 effective in breaking down oils, fats, and particulate soils.
One of the distinguishing features of EMPIGEN HBC 40 is its compatibility with anionic surfactants, a property not commonly found in classical cationic surfactants; this compatibility expands its usefulness in complex formulations where mixed‐surfactant systems are desired for improved cleaning or foaming performance.
In addition, EMPIGEN HBC 40 contributes to formulation stability, supports foam formation, and can modify viscosity.

EMPIGEN HBC 40's performance profile makes EMPIGEN HBC 40 suitable for a wide range of home-care and industrial applications, including dishwashing liquids, hard-surface cleaners, automotive cleaning products, toilet cleaners, and some personal-care products requiring conditioning effects.
Because cationic surfactants can exhibit mild antimicrobial properties, EMPIGEN HBC 40 may also support hygiene-enhancing functions in cleaning formulations, though it is primarily marketed for its surfactant performance rather than as a registered biocide.

In food-processing or CIP environments, attention must be given to proper rinsing, since cationic surfactants can strongly adsorb to surfaces and leave residues that could interfere with food quality or microbiological testing.
Overall, EMPIGEN HBC 40 is valued for its combination of surface activity, compatibility across surfactant systems, formulation flexibility, and robust cleaning performance.

Uses of EMPIGEN HBC 40:
EMPIGEN HBC 40 is used as a co-surfactant in cleaning and detergent formulations to improve wetting, detergency, and emulsification.
EMPIGEN HBC 40's compatibility with anionic surfactants allows incorporation into mixed surfactant systems, where it can enhance foaming and support viscosity development.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 is also useful in formulations requiring improved surface adhesion or some conditioning performance.

Additionally, EMPIGEN HBC 40 is valued in car-care products, metal-cleaning solutions, textile treatment chemicals, and specialty formulations that require stable emulsification or viscosity modification.
EMPIGEN HBC 40's compatibility with anionic surfactants expands its utility in complex mixed-surfactant systems, enabling formulators to achieve enhanced cleaning efficiency, foam behavior, and stability in both consumer and industrial product designs.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 is used as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer in household and industrial cleaners.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 provides excellent detergency and soil removal capability in hard and soft water.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 is applied in hair care products.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 improves foam stability in shampoos and conditioners.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 supports the dispersion of conditioning agents.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 is used in skin cleansing formulations.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 delivers rich foam and efficient removal of oils and impurities.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 maintains skin softness and reduces irritation.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 provides excellent cleaning efficiency with controlled foam.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 is used in car wash concentrates.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 enhances foaming performance and soil removal.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 provides streak-free rinsing and surface gloss.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 is applied in textile processing.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 acts as a wetting and dispersing agent in dyeing baths.

Advantages of EMPIGEN HBC 40:
EMPIGEN HBC 40 offers compatibility with anionic surfactants, giving formulators flexibility when developing mixed surfactant systems.
EMPIGEN HBC 40 improves wetting, detergency, and emulsification while supporting foam performance and thickening.
EMPIGEN HBC 40's ability to promote adhesion to certain surfaces and provide some conditioning behavior adds functional value, while its readily biodegradable character supports formulations requiring biodegradable surfactants.

EMPIGEN HBC 40's ability to enhance emulsification and support stable dispersion of hydrophobic materials improves overall cleaning performance and reduces redeposition of dirt on surfaces.
One of EMPIGEN HBC 40's most significant advantages is its compatibility with anionic surfactants, a rare feature for cationic systems, which allows formulators to design more versatile and synergistic mixed-surfactant blends with improved foam quality, rinseability, and formulation stability.

EMPIGEN HBC 40 also contributes to enhanced thickening, improved spreading, and better conditioning performance in personal-care applications due to its strong adsorption onto negatively charged surfaces like skin and hair.
Additionally, EMPIGEN HBC 40's mild antimicrobial behavior and strong binding to surfaces can support hygiene and cleanliness in institutional or food-processing environments when used in approved formulations.
Overall, EMPIGEN HBC 40 delivers high performance, broad formulation flexibility, good biodegradability, and strong multifunctionality—making it a preferred ingredient where efficient cleaning, conditioning, and surfactant synergy are required.

Synthesis of EMPIGEN HBC 40:
The synthesis of EMPIGEN HBC 40 is based on typical fatty-amine quaternary surfactant chemistry, starting from a C₁₂ fatty feedstock such as lauric acid / lauryl alcohol obtained from natural oils (e.g., coconut or palm kernel).
First, the lauryl chain is converted into a lauryl tertiary amine (e.g., lauryldimethylamine) through standard fatty-amine routes (fatty acid → amide → amine, or via oxo/amination chemistry).

This tertiary amine is then hydroxyethylated—most commonly by reaction with ethylene oxide or a similar alkylene oxide—to introduce a hydroxyethyl group on the nitrogen, increasing water affinity and improving surfactant properties.
In the key step, the hydroxyethylated tertiary amine undergoes quaternization with an alkylating agent (e.g., methyl chloride) in the presence of hydrochloric acid or another suitable acid source, forming the permanently positively charged quaternary ammonium salt: hydroxyethyl laurdimonium chloride.

The crude quaternary product is then diluted with water and adjusted to give an aqueous solution with about 40% active matter, followed by quality control checks (active content, pH, color, stability) and filtration before packaging.
Throughout industrial synthesis, conditions such as temperature, pressure, and stoichiometry are tightly controlled to minimize by-products and ensure consistent surfactant performance, while also complying with safety and environmental regulations for handling alkylene oxides and quaternizing agents.

Stability and Reactivity of EMPIGEN HBC 40:

Chemical Stability:
Product-specific stability data have not been verified.

Conditions to Avoid:
Avoid excessive heating and contamination.

Incompatible Materials:
Confirm with the supplier before mixing with reactive chemicals.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Product-specific decomposition products have not been verified.

Handling and Storage of EMPIGEN HBC 40:

Safe Handling:
Avoid contact with eyes and skin and prevent inhalation of spray or mist.
Use adequate ventilation and minimize splashing.

Storage Conditions:
Keep in the original, tightly closed container.
Follow the supplier’s specified storage temperature and protection requirements.

First Aid Measures of EMPIGEN HBC 40:

Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if coughing or breathing discomfort develops.

Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and rinse thoroughly with water.
Obtain medical advice if irritation persists.

Eye Contact:
Immediately rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if easily possible and seek prompt medical advice.

Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth and do not induce vomiting.
Contact a poison center or physician.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Firefighting Measures of EMPIGEN HBC 40:

Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Select extinguishing media appropriate for the surrounding fire.

Specific Hazards:
Avoid exposure to smoke and fumes from heated material.

Protective Equipment:
Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Prevent firefighting runoff from entering drains.

Accidental Release Measures of EMPIGEN HBC 40:

Personal Precautions:
Wear suitable protective equipment and restrict access.
Spilled surfactant solution may make floors slippery.

Environmental Precautions:
Prevent entry into drains, soil, and waterways.

Cleanup Methods:
Contain the spill and absorb with a compatible inert material.
Collect in suitable containers for disposal.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection of EMPIGEN HBC 40:

Engineering Controls:
Provide ventilation, particularly where mist is generated.
Keep eyewash facilities accessible.

Eye Protection:
Wear chemical splash goggles.
Use a face shield where significant splashing is possible.

Skin Protection:
Wear chemically compatible gloves and protective clothing.

Respiratory Protection:
Select approved respiratory protection when an exposure assessment shows ventilation is insufficient.

Hygiene Measures:
Wash hands after handling and before eating or drinking.

Identifiers of EMPIGEN HBC 40:
Chemical Name: Cocamidopropyl Dimethyl Betaine (40% solution)
Synonyms: Cocamidopropyl Betaine; CAPB 40; Coco-Betaine
CAS Number: 68131-39-5
EC Number: 263-058-8
Product Type: Amphoteric surfactant
Recommended Uses: Foam booster; mild surfactant; viscosity modifier
Restrictions on Use: Not for food/pharmaceutical use unless approved

Chemical Name: Cocamidopropyl Dimethyl Betaine (40% aqueous solution)
Synonyms: Cocamidopropyl Betaine; CAPB 40; Coco-Betaine; Amphoteric Surfactant HBC-40; Alkyl Dimethyl Betaine Derivative; Cocoamidopropyl Dimethyl Glycine Betaine
Trade Names: EMPIGEN™ HBC 40; Coco-Betaine 40%; CAPB Liquid 40; Amphoteric Surfactant HBC Series
CAS Number: 68131-39-5
EC Number (EINECS): 263-058-8
Molecular Formula (main component): C₁₉H₃₈N₂O₃
Molecular Weight: ~342 g/mol (varies with chain distribution)
INCI Name: Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Chemical Family: Amphoteric surfactants / Alkyl betaines

Appearance: Clear to light yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Active Content: ~38–42%
pH (as supplied): Typically 5.0–7.0
Solubility: Completely soluble in water

Properties of EMPIGEN HBC 40:
Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid or waxy solid (depending on temperature)
Odor: Mild, characteristic fatty odor
Color (APHA): ≤100
Density: 1.05 g/cm³ (20°C)
Cloud Point (1% in water): >95°C
Flash Point: >200°C (closed cup)

pH (1% solution): 6.0 – 8.0
HLB Value: Approx. 17 – 18
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohols, glycols, and polar solvents
Foaming: Low to moderate
Stability: Excellent under acidic and alkaline conditions
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Storage Temperature: Store between 15–35°C in closed containers

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Odor Threshold: Not established
Physical State: Liquid (aqueous surfactant solution)
pH (as supplied): Typically 5.0–7.0
Melting/Freezing Point: ≤ 0°C (may become viscous at low temperature)
Boiling Point: ~100°C (water-based mixture)

Flash Point: > 100°C (non-flammable aqueous solution)
Evaporation Rate: Similar to water
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Explosive Limits: Not applicable (not volatile enough)
Vapor Pressure: Low (approx. equivalent to water)
Vapor Density: Not available; expected >1 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.02–1.06 g/cm³ (20°C)
Solubility (Water): Completely soluble

Solubility (Other): Soluble in lower alcohols; miscible with many surfactants
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): Not applicable (mixture; surfactant behavior)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not expected to auto-ignite
Decomposition Temperature: >150°C (may release amines and NOx)
Viscosity: 100–400 cP (20–25°C), depending on batch and concentration
Surface Tension: Reduced significantly (typical surfactant property)
Density: Approx. 1.03 g/mL

Percent Volatile: Depends on water content (~60%)
Molecular Weight (active): ~342 g/mol (representative CAPB component)
Color: Colorless to light yellow
Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage
Reactivity: Low; reacts with strong oxidizers/acids
Shelf Life: 12–24 months under recommended conditions

Specifications of EMPIGEN HBC 40:
Product Name: EMPIGEN HBC 40
INCI Name: Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Active Matter (CAPB): 38–42%
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Color (Hazen/APHA): ≤ 200
Odor: Mild, characteristic

pH (10% solution): 5.0–7.0
Free Amines: ≤ 0.5%
Sodium Chloride Content: 4–7%
Water Content: 58–62%
Viscosity (20–25°C): 100–400 cP
Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.02–1.06
Refractive Index (20°C): 1.350–1.370
Solubility: Fully soluble in water; miscible with anionic and nonionic surfactants
Foam Performance: High, stable foam (dependent on formulation)
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD compliant)
Preservative Status: Typically unpreserved; customers may add preservatives
Shelf Life: 12–24 months in unopened container