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EMPIGEN OB uses and applications include: Low-foaming hydrotrope for cleaners, wax strippers, degreasers.
EMPIGEN OB can be used in mixed anionic/nonionic systems to control the Krafft point and cloud point.
EMPIGEN OB is ideally suited for use in household and industrial detergent cleaners such as bottle washing, high pressure spray cleaners.
CAS Number: 15177-57-6
EC Number: 239-332-0
Molecular Formula: C14H29NO4
Molecular Weight: ~275.39 g/mol
Synonyms: Sodium octyliminodipropionate, N-(2‑carboxyethyl)-N‑octyl-β-alanine, 3,3'-(Octylimino)bis(propionic acid), Ampholak YJH‑40, Amphotensid EH, Sodium N-(2-carboxyethyl)-N-(2-ethylhexyl)-β-alaninate, N-(2-carboxyethyl)-N-octyl-beta-alanine, 3,3'-(Octylimino)bis(propionic acid), Einecs 258-081-5, N-(2-carboxyethyl)-N-octyl-beta-alanine, Octyliminodipropionate, N-(2-Carboxyethyl)-N-octyl-b-alanine, 3-(2-Carboxyethyl-octyl-amino) propanoic acid, Sodium octyliminodipropionate, N‑(2‑carboxyethyl)-N‑octyl-β-alanine, 3,3'-(Octylimino)bis(propionic acid), Ampholak YJH‑40, AmphotensidEH, N-(2-carboxyethyl)-N-octyl-beta-alanine, 3,3'-(Octylimino)bis(propionic acid), Einecs 258-081-5, N-(2-carboxyethyl)-N-octyl-beta-alanine, Octyliminodipropionate, N-(2-Carboxyethyl)-N-octyl-b-alanine, 3-(2-Carboxyethyl-octyl-amino) propanoic acid
EMPIGEN OB is a synthetic amphoteric compound widely used in personal care and cosmetic formulations for its mild cleansing, foam-boosting, and skin-conditioning properties.
Structurally, EMPIGEN OB is derived from octylamine and dipropionic acid, forming a dipropionate-based amphodicarboxylate surfactant.
This gives EMPIGEN OB both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (oil-attracting) regions, making it highly compatible with other surfactants and active ingredients in aqueous formulations.
EMPIGEN OB typically appears as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid, and is readily soluble in water.
EMPIGEN OB functions effectively over a broad pH range, is non-toxic, and is biodegradable, making it suitable for mild facial cleansers, baby shampoos, body washes, and sensitive-skin products.
EMPIGEN OB's amphoteric nature enables it to act both as a cleansing agent and a conditioning agent, often reducing the irritation potential of anionic surfactants in mixed systems.
In addition to cleansing, EMPIGEN OB provides a soft skin feel, improves foam stability, and enhances rinsability, contributing to the overall sensorial profile of finished products.
EMPIGEN OB's excellent dermatological tolerance makes it a preferred ingredient in sulfate-free, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly personal care formulations.
EMPIGEN OB is a specialized amphoteric surfactant engineered for alkaline, low-foam cleaning applications.
With excellent hydrotropic and defoaming capabilities, EMPIGEN OB’s highly valued in industrial, institutional, and technical detergent systems.
EMPIGEN OB's biodegradability, salt-free nature, and formulation flexibility make EMPIGEN OB a sustainable, functional alternative to traditional foaming surfactants and hydrotropes.
EMPIGEN OB is an amphoteric surfactant, belonging to the β-alanine (iminodipropionate) family.
EMPIGEN OB is typically supplied as its sodium salt, which enhances its solubility in aqueous formulations.
What makes EMPIGEN OB especially valuable is its low-foaming and alkali-stable nature—making it particularly well-suited for industrial and institutional cleaning systems.
EMPIGEN OB is a salt-free EMPIGEN OB.
EMPIGEN OB functions include foam inhibition, hydrotrope / co-surfactant, alkali stable, low foaming, and defoaming.
EMPIGEN OB is a low-foaming, salt-free EMPIGEN OB that is alkaline-stable with good alkali tolerance.
EMPIGEN OB is typically used in detergents, shampoos, and other cleaners.
EMPIGEN OB is a salt-free EMPIGEN OB.
EMPIGEN OB is ideal for use as a cleaning agent in household hard surface cleaning.
EMPIGEN OB is an extremely versatile, non-foaming amphoteric surfactant that provides excellent hydrotroping properties over a wide range of electrolyte concentrations.
EMPIGEN OB effectively couples conventional and capped low foaming nonionics into heavy duty built alkaline cleaner formulations.
EMPIGEN OB is a low-foaming, alkali-stable amphoteric surfactant and hydrotrope, widely used in industrial cleaning, detergents, car-care systems, and defoamer formulations.
EMPIGEN OB provides excellent foam control, stability in high-pH environments, and eco-friendliness via biodegradability.
EMPIGEN OB is a mild, amphoteric surfactant widely used in personal care and cosmetic formulations for its exceptional skin compatibility, cleansing efficiency, and foam-boosting properties.
Structurally derived from octylamine and dipropionic acid, EMPIGEN OB features both hydrophilic and lipophilic regions, enabling it to function effectively in a wide range of pH conditions and formulation types.
This clear to pale yellow, water-soluble liquid is especially favored in sulfate-free, baby-safe, and sensitive-skin products such as facial cleansers, shampoos, body washes, and intimate hygiene items.
EMPIGEN OB not only enhances the sensory profile of products by providing a soft, non-stripping cleanse and rich foam but also reduces irritation from harsher surfactants when used in combination.
EMPIGEN OB's excellent dermatological tolerance, biodegradability, and broad formulation compatibility make it a preferred choice in modern, gentle, and eco-friendly cleansing systems.
Market Overview of EMPIGEN OB:
While specific market data for EMPIGEN OB is limited, it belongs to the general category of amphoteric surfactants—versatile ingredients in personal care products.
The amphoteric surfactants market was valued at approximately USD 4.9 billion in 2023, with projections ranging up to USD 5.8 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 7.1 billion by 2029, reflecting steady growth at a 4.2–6.5% CAGR.
This growth is driven largely by increasing demand for mild, skin-friendly surfactants in personal care—from baby shampoos to sulfate-free cleansers—where EMPIGEN OB is particularly valued for its low irritation, broad pH compatibility, and foam improvement.
In the wider context, the overall surfactants market (which includes amphoteric, anionic, cationic, and nonionic types) was estimated at around USD 45 billion in 2024, projected to climb to over USD 70 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of around 5%.
Key Insights:
EMPIGEN OB, as a mild amphoteric surfactant, benefits from the broader market expansion driven by the trend toward sulfate-free and sensitive-skin formulations.
Growth in eco-conscious and clean beauty products is further boosting adoption of biodegradable, low-irritation surfactants.
With increasing consumer demand for gentle and effective cleansing products—especially in Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe—ingredients like EMPIGEN OB are well-positioned for rising interest.
Uses of EMPIGEN OB:
EMPIGEN OB is primarily used as a mild cleansing agent, foam booster, and skin-conditioning surfactant in a wide range of personal care products.
EMPIGEN OB's gentle nature makes it ideal for baby shampoos, facial cleansers, intimate hygiene products, and body washes formulated for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
EMPIGEN OB is commonly included in sulfate-free and low-foaming systems, where it helps maintain a pleasant sensory profile while minimizing irritation.
In shampoos and hair care products, EMPIGEN OB improves the detangling and conditioning effect, while in skin care, it enhances cleansing without disrupting the skin barrier.
Additionally, EMPIGEN OB is used in 2-in-1 products, micellar waters, cleansing balms, and mild foaming creams, offering formulation flexibility across a wide pH range.
EMPIGEN OB is not commonly found in consumer personal care products but is a workhorse surfactant in technical, industrial, and hard-surface applications.
Typical use levels of EMPIGEN OB is 1–10% depending on purpose (cleansing, solubilizing, foam control)
EMPIGEN OB is used hydrotrope/deflocculant in industrial fluids and lubricant formulations
EMPIGEN OB is ideal for use in car wash, Caustic Cleaners, CIP Cleaner, Cleaning (Industrial & Institutional), and Household Hard Surface Cleaning.
EMPIGEN OB is a salt-free EMPIGEN OB.
EMPIGEN OB is ideal for use as a cleaning agent in household hard surface cleaning.
EMPIGEN OB is ideally suited for use in household and industrial detergent cleaners such as bottle washing, high pressure spray cleaners, alkaline degreasers, scrubbing compounds, acid cleaners, transportation cleaners and various other hard surface detergent formulations.
EMPIGEN OB can be used in mixed anionic/nonionic systems to control the Krafft point and cloud point.
EMPIGEN OB is a highly versatile, amphoteric surfactant extensively used in a wide array of cosmetic and personal care applications due to its exceptional mildness, skin compatibility, and multifunctional properties.
EMPIGEN OB is commonly employed as a primary or secondary surfactant in sensitive-skin cleansers, baby shampoos, micellar waters, intimate washes, facial foaming gels, and body washes, where it provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin or scalp of natural lipids.
Because of its excellent foaming and foam-stabilizing properties, EMPIGEN OB is also added to sulfate-free and low-foam formulations to improve user experience, delivering a soft, creamy lather even in hard water conditions.
In hair care products such as 2-in-1 shampoos, conditioning cleansers, and leave-in treatments, EMPIGEN OB acts as a conditioning and detangling agent, enhancing hair softness and manageability while minimizing static.
EMPIGEN OB's non-ionic and amphoteric character makes it compatible with a wide range of cosmetic actives, thickeners, and emulsifiers, allowing formulators to design stable, pH-flexible systems for dermatological cleansers, acne treatments, and anti-aging products.
Beyond its cleansing function, EMPIGEN OB also helps reduce irritation potential of harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate when used in combination, making it a valuable synergist in mild surfactant systems.
In pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic formulations, EMPIGEN OB may serve as a skin-conditioning excipient or carrier for active ingredients, supporting controlled delivery and minimizing sensitization.
With its biodegradable profile, non-comedogenic nature, and broad global regulatory acceptance, EMPIGEN OB is also increasingly found in clean beauty, vegan, and eco-certified product lines.
Benefits of EMPIGEN OB:
EMPIGEN OB offers a wide range of benefits that make it an ideal ingredient in modern personal care and cosmetic formulations.
One of EMPIGEN OB's most valued features is its exceptional mildness, making it highly suitable for sensitive skin, baby care, and dermatological products.
As an amphoteric surfactant, EMPIGEN OB exhibits both cationic and anionic behavior depending on the pH, allowing it to be used effectively in a wide variety of formulations, including acidic or alkaline systems.
EMPIGEN OB acts as a foam booster and stabilizer, improving the lather quality of sulfate-free and low-foam cleansers without compromising gentleness.
EMPIGEN OB also serves as a conditioning agent, helping to reduce irritation from harsher surfactants and leaving the skin and hair feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.
EMPIGEN OB's compatibility with other surfactants, emulsifiers, and actives enhances formulation flexibility, while its biodegradability and low toxicity profile support sustainability claims in eco-conscious and clean beauty products.
Furthermore, EMPIGEN OB helps to reduce static electricity in hair care products and improves the spreadability and sensory feel of topical applications, contributing to a pleasant user experience.
These combined benefits make EMPIGEN OB a versatile and multifunctional ingredient widely embraced in high-performance cleansing and conditioning systems.
Production of EMPIGEN OB:
EMPIGEN OB is produced through a multi-step synthesis process involving the amidation and carboxymethylation of fatty amines.
The process typically begins with octylamine (a primary fatty amine derived from natural or synthetic sources), which is reacted with sodium chloroacetate in the presence of a base, such as sodium hydroxide.
This reaction results in the formation of an aminodipropionic acid derivative, where both carboxylic acid groups are introduced to the nitrogen atom via a two-step alkylation of glycine or similar intermediates.
The reaction is carefully controlled under moderate temperatures and pH conditions to achieve the desired amphoteric structure, featuring both hydrophilic carboxy groups and a hydrophobic octyl tail.
Following synthesis, EMPIGEN OB is purified, typically by neutralization, filtration, and evaporation, and may be delivered in aqueous solution form, often at 30–40% active surfactant concentration.
This production route is designed to yield a biodegradable, non-toxic, and stable surfactant suitable for large-scale use in personal care and industrial formulations.
Synthesis of EMPIGEN OB:
EMPIGEN OB is synthesized via a two-step reaction process involving amination and carboxymethylation of octylamine, a fatty amine with an eight-carbon (C8) hydrophobic chain.
In the first step, octylamine reacts with sodium monochloroacetate (ClCH₂COONa) in a nucleophilic substitution reaction, where the amine group attacks the electrophilic carbon of the chloroacetate.
This results in the formation of N-octyl-N-(carboxymethyl)glycine, a zwitterionic intermediate with both a hydrophobic alkyl chain and a hydrophilic carboxymethyl group attached to the nitrogen.
In the second step, the same intermediate undergoes another carboxymethylation with an additional mole of sodium monochloroacetate, resulting in EMPIGEN OB, a bis(carboxymethyl) substituted amine.
The final molecule contains:
One hydrophobic octyl group (from octylamine),
Two hydrophilic carboxylic acid groups (from the chloroacetic acid),
One central tertiary nitrogen that provides amphoteric character depending on pH.
The reaction is typically performed in aqueous medium, under controlled alkaline conditions (pH 8–10) and mild heating (~60–80°C) to ensure optimal substitution and to minimize side reactions.
The final product is neutralized, filtered, and usually supplied as an aqueous solution with 30–40% active concentration.
This synthesis yields a biodegradable, mild, and pH-tolerant amphoteric surfactant ideal for gentle cleansing applications.
History of EMPIGEN OB:
EMPIGEN OB was developed in the mid to late 20th century as part of a broader scientific and industrial movement to create milder, safer alternatives to traditional surfactants like sulfates and harsh anionic detergents.
As consumer awareness around skin sensitivity and eco-friendly formulations grew—especially in the 1970s and 1980s—cosmetic chemists began exploring amphoteric surfactants, which offered a balance of cleansing power and skin compatibility.
EMPIGEN OB emerged from this innovation wave as a secondary surfactant that could enhance foam, reduce irritation, and stabilize formulations without contributing to dryness or allergic reactions.
EMPIGEN OB's structure, derived from fatty amines and carboxymethyl groups, allowed it to function effectively across a wide pH range, making it suitable for everything from shampoos and baby washes to facial cleansers and dermatological products.
Over time, EMPIGEN OB's biodegradability, low toxicity, and formulation versatility solidified its role in modern personal care products.
Today, EMPIGEN OB is a common ingredient in mild, sulfate-free, and sensitive-skin-targeted cleansers, reflecting the ongoing shift toward gentler and greener cosmetic science.
Handling and Storage of EMPIGEN OB:
Handling:
Handle EMPIGEN OB with adequate ventilation.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles when working with concentrated forms.
Do not ingest or inhale mists or vapors.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Avoid extreme heat and direct sunlight.
Recommended storage temperature:
5–30°C.
Prevent freezing.
Keep away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
Stability and Reactivity of EMPIGEN OB:
Chemical Stability:
Stable under normal storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity:
Non-reactive under recommended conditions.
Does not undergo hazardous polymerization.
Incompatible Materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and bases may degrade the compound.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
In case of fire or extreme heat, may release carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ).
First Aid Measures of EMPIGEN OB:
Inhalation:
Move the person to fresh air.
If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact:
Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
If irritation develops, get medical advice.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek immediate medical advice if large quantities are swallowed.
Firefighting Measures of EMPIGEN OB:
Flammability:
Non-flammable under normal conditions.
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Special Hazards:
May produce irritating or toxic fumes (CO, CO₂, NOₓ) when heated to decomposition.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.
Accidental Release Measures of EMPIGEN OB:
Personal Precautions:
Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental Precautions:
Avoid discharge into drains, surface water, or soil.
Cleanup Methods:
Contain the spill with inert material (e.g., sand or earth).
Collect into suitable containers for disposal.
Wash spill area with water after material pickup is complete.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of EMPIGEN OB:
Engineering Controls:
Use in well-ventilated areas.
Local exhaust may be necessary in enclosed spaces.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Eyes:
Safety goggles or face shield.
Skin:
Protective gloves (e.g., nitrile or latex).
Clothing:
Lab coat or suitable protective clothing.
Respiratory:
Not required under normal use.
If mist or vapors are present, use a NIOSH-approved respirator.
Hygiene Measures:
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using EMPIGEN OB.
Identifiers of EMPIGEN OB:
IUPAC Name: N-octyldi(propan-2-oate)amine
Common Name: EMPIGEN OB
Chemical Class: Amphoteric surfactant / amino acid derivative
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₉NO₄
Molecular Weight: ~275.39 g/mol
CAS Number: 15177-57-6 (verify depending on isomer/form)
EC Number: 239-332-0 (for some commercial forms)
INCI Name: Disodium EMPIGEN OB
Structure Description: Consists of an octylamine backbone with two propionate ester groups
Functional Group: Carboxylate ester + amine (amphoteric)
Synonyms: Octyliminodipropionic acid derivative, amphoteric surfactant 38
Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
Solubility: Water-soluble
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₉NO₄
Molar Mass: 275.39 g/mol
SMILES: CCCCCCCCN(CC(=O)O)CC(=O)O (for acid form)
InChI: InChI=1S/C14H29NO4/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-15(13(16)17)14(18)19/h2-8H2,1H3,(H,16,17)(H,18,19)
InChIKey: PKVBSZKGEKKCET-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Properties of EMPIGEN OB:
Physical State: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
Color: Colorless to pale yellow
Odor: Mild, characteristic or nearly odorless
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₉NO₄
Molecular Weight: ~275.39 g/mol
Solubility in Water: Soluble
pH (10% solution): Typically between 6.0 and 8.0
Boiling Point: Not well defined (decomposes before boiling due to ester and amine functionality)
Freezing Point: Below 0°C (aqueous solution)
Density: ~1.02–1.05 g/cm³ (for a ~30% active solution at 20°C)
Refractive Index (20°C): ~1.430–1.455
Flash Point: >100°C (aqueous solution; not considered flammable)
Viscosity (at 25°C): ~100–300 mPas
Surface Tension: Reduces surface tension; value depends on concentration
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Shelf Life: 24 months
