Quick Search
Myristyl Amine Oxide, also known as tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, is a nonionic surfactant that is commonly used in personal care and household cleaning products due to its effective cleansing and foaming properties.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is classified as an amine oxide, a compound featuring a nitrogen atom bonded to an alkyl chain and oxygen, and in this case, the alkyl chain is derived from myristyl alcohol, which has 14 carbon atoms.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is a cationic surfactant belonging to the family of amine oxides.
CAS Number: 3332-27-2
Molecular Formula: C16H35NO
Molecular Weight: 257.46
EINECS Number: 222-059-3
Synonyms: Myristamine oxide, Tetradecyldimethylamine oxide, J086PM3RRT, AMMONYX MCO, INCROMINE OXIDE M, EMPIGEN OH25, BARLOX 14, CHEMOXIDE MO-PF SURFACTANT, Pre-dip Additive, HC-PRE, 222-059-3, 3332-27-2, 1-Tetradecanamine, N,N-dimethyl-, N-oxide, Myristyl Dimethylamine Oxide, Myristyldimethylamine oxide, N,N-dimethyltetradecan-1-amine oxide, N,N-Dimethyltetradecylamine N-oxide, N,N-Dimethylmyristylamine N-oxide, N,N-Dimethyl-1-tetradecanamine-N-oxide, Myristyl dimethyl amine oxide, N,N-Dimethyl-1-tetradecanamine N-oxide, UNII-J086PM3RRT, EINECS 222-059-3, EC 222-059-3, SCHEMBL55872, dimethyl(tetradecyl)amine oxide, CHEMBL1782221, DTXSID2029660, N,N-Dimethyltetradecylamine-N-oxide, N,N-dimethyl-N-tetradecyl amine oxide, HY-W250186, FM157352, Tetradecanamine, N,N-dimethyl-, N-oxide, CS-0256381, NS00001390, Q6948278, N,N-Dimethyltetradecylamine N-oxide, >=98.0% (NT, N,N-dimethylTetradecylamine-N-oxide;MYRISTAMINE OXIDE;n,n-dimethyl-1-tetradecanaminn-oxide;n,n-dimethyltetradecylaminen-oxidesol;Tetradecyldimethylamineoxide;DIMETHYLTETRADECYLAMINEOXIDE;N,N-DIMETHYL-N-TETRADECYLAMINEOXIDE;N,N-Dimethyltetradecylamin-N-oxid
Myristyl Amine Oxide is an amine oxide based zwitterionic surfactant with a C14 (tetradecyl) alkyl tail.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is used as a foam stabilizer and hair conditioning agent in some shampoos and conditioners.
Like other amine oxide based surfactants it is antimicrobial, being slightly more effective than lauryldimethylamine oxide against the common bacteria S. aureus and E. coli.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is commonly used as a foam booster, thickener and conditioning agent in a variety of personal care and household cleaning products.
Myristyl Amine Oxide has several properties suitable for these applications, including the ability to reduce surface tension, increase viscosity and provide antistatic properties.
In addition, Myristyl Amine Oxide can be used as a raw material for the production of other surfactants and specialty chemicals.
Myristyl Amine Oxide functions primarily as a foam booster, viscosity enhancer, and emulsifier in formulations such as shampoos, liquid hand soaps, body washes, and surface cleaners.
Myristyl Amine Oxide improves the richness and stability of the foam, making products feel creamier and more luxurious while also enhancing the effectiveness of other surfactants in the formulation.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is known for its mildness and stability under both acidic and alkaline conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of pH environments.
Its amphoteric nature (acting as both a weak acid and base) gives it excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants, which is particularly valuable in complex formulations.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is a versatile amphoteric surfactant predominantly used in the formulation of personal care products, HI&I cleaners and laundry detergents serving as a foam booster and stabilizer, viscosity builder and surfactant formulations' detergency elevator.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is stable in hard waters, acidic environments, highly electrolyte and hypochlorite bleaching solutions.
At lower pH values it earns partially cationic character leading to a conditioning effect on hair and skin, thus being widely used in conditioners, liquid soaps and shaving foams.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is a long-chain tertiary amine oxide surfactant, specifically composed of a 14-carbon alkyl chain (myristyl group) bonded to a nitrogen atom that carries two methyl groups and an oxygen atom, giving it a structure that makes it both hydrophilic and lipophilic.
This dual affinity allows the molecule to interact with both water and oils, which is why it is so effective at removing grease, dirt, and other contaminants from skin, hair, or surfaces.
In personal care formulations, Myristyl Amine Oxide is appreciated not only for its foam stabilization capabilities, but also for its mildness to the skin and eyes, making it a favorable alternative to harsher surfactants.
Myristyl Amine Oxide contributes to the viscosity and texture of cosmetic products, enhancing the sensory feel during application and rinsing.
It is often included in sulfate-free or low-sulfate formulations to compensate for reduced foaming caused by the absence of strong anionic surfactants.
Density: 0.716 [at 20℃]
vapor pressure: 0 Pa at 25℃
Flash point: >100℃
storage temp.: 15-25°C
solubility: H2O: soluble 1% (w/v), clear, colorless
pka: 4.01 [at 20 ℃]
form: Solid
color: White to off-white
PH: 5-9 (1% (w/v) in H2O)
Water Solubility: 409.5 g/L at 20℃
BRN: 4245192
LogP: 2.7 at 20℃
Myristyl Amine Oxide CAS 3332-27-2 is active components in body care products like shampoo, bubble bath, and hand-soap formulations in combination with alkyl or olefin sulfates.
In acidic media, it is cationic and could work as a mild conditioner.
In neutral or weak basic media, it is featured as excellent foam stabilizer and viscosity building provider.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is widely applied as a foam enhancer, stabilizer and viscosity builder.
End products include light duty liquid detergents, drain cleaners, fabric washer.
Myristyl Amine Oxide can also be applied as dye dispersant, wetting agent, emulsifier, lubricant and formulation with anionic, nonionic and cationic materials.
Beyond cosmetics, Myristyl Amine Oxide is also used in hard surface cleaning agents, where its antimicrobial properties and detergency are beneficial.
Myristyl Amine Oxide can function as a co-surfactant in disinfectant cleaners, helping to solubilize oily soils and improve wetting of surfaces, especially in alkaline environments such as those used for industrial or institutional cleaning.
From a formulation standpoint, Myristyl Amine Oxide is very versatile because it is stable in a broad pH range (approximately pH 3 to 10) and does not break down easily under normal storage conditions, which enhances the shelf life and efficacy of the products in which it is used.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is a tertiary amine oxide that falls under the broader class of long-chain alkyldimethylamine oxides, and it exhibits surface-active properties due to the presence of a polar N→O functional group and a non-polar alkyl chain.
This amphiphilic structure allows it to act as a powerful wetting agent, enabling water to spread more easily over surfaces and facilitating the removal of particulate and oily contaminants in both personal and industrial cleaning applications.
In formulation science, Myristyl Amine Oxide is frequently used in combination with anionic surfactants such as sodium laureth sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine to enhance foam volume and longevity, especially in low-surfactant or low-viscosity systems.
Its cationic-like behavior under acidic conditions also allows it to provide antistatic and softening effects, which is why it may be found in hair conditioners or fabric care products, albeit less commonly than in shampoos or liquid cleansers.
From an environmental and safety perspective, it is readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions and generally considered to have low acute toxicity to humans; however, like many surfactants, it can be harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations, and appropriate handling and disposal practices are recommended in industrial settings.
Additionally, while it is typically classified as a low-irritation ingredient, some formulations containing higher concentrations of amine oxides may lead to mild skin or eye irritation, especially if not properly pH-balanced.
In specialized applications, such as in agrochemical formulations, coatings, or textile treatments, Myristyl Amine Oxide can serve as an emulsifier or dispersing agent, helping to stabilize oil-in-water mixtures or maintain uniform distribution of solids.
Due to its chemical stability, it is also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other surfactants or specialty chemicals, particularly where oxidation resistance or pH flexibility is required.
Uses:
Myristyl Amine Oxide is an isotopic analog of N,N-Dimethyltetradecylamine Oxide (3332-27-2).
Myristyl Amine Oxide is widely used as a key ingredient in personal care products, such as shampoos, body washes, liquid hand soaps, and facial cleansers, where it functions primarily as a foam booster and surfactant that enhances the richness and stability of foam while providing gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils from the skin and hair.
Because of its mildness and compatibility with a variety of surfactants, it is often included in formulations designed for sensitive skin or sulfate-free products, helping to maintain product performance while reducing irritation.
In addition to personal care, Myristyl Amine Oxide finds extensive use in household and industrial cleaning products, including all-purpose cleaners, dishwashing liquids, and hard surface cleaners, where it improves wetting and degreasing efficiency by breaking down oily soils and enabling easier rinsing, which results in cleaner surfaces with less residue.
Its antimicrobial properties also contribute to the effectiveness of disinfectant cleaners by disrupting microbial membranes and enhancing the removal of contaminants.
Moreover, in textile and fabric care, Myristyl Amine Oxide serves as an antistatic agent and softener, reducing static cling and improving the texture of fabrics, making garments feel softer and more comfortable after washing. This property is particularly valuable in fabric softeners and conditioners.
In industrial applications, it acts as an emulsifier and dispersing agent, helping to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in formulations such as coatings, agrochemicals, and lubricants.
Its chemical stability and resistance to degradation under different pH conditions make it suitable for use in complex industrial systems where long-term performance is essential.
Additionally, Myristyl Amine Oxide is sometimes utilized as an intermediate in chemical syntheses, where its reactive amine oxide group can be further modified or used to produce other specialty surfactants or functional chemicals.
Its versatility and functional properties thus make it a valuable component across multiple industries ranging from cosmetics to manufacturing.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is extensively employed in formulating personal hygiene and cosmetic products due to its unique ability to provide a rich, stable foam that enhances the sensory experience of cleansing products while simultaneously being gentle on the skin and hair.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is commonly included in shampoos designed for frequent use, baby shampoos, and facial cleansers, where its mild surfactant action helps remove dirt and oils without causing excessive dryness or irritation, making it suitable for sensitive or delicate skin types.
Beyond personal care, this compound plays a critical role in household cleaning formulations such as liquid hand soaps, dishwashing liquids, and multi-surface cleaners, where it acts to improve the wettability of surfaces and solubilize grease and grime, thereby increasing the efficiency of cleaning while also helping formulations to maintain desirable viscosity and clarity.
Its antimicrobial and preservative-enhancing properties further contribute to prolonging the shelf life of these products.
In the realm of industrial and institutional cleaning, Myristyl Amine Oxide is valued for its stability under harsh conditions, such as in alkaline or hard water environments, which enables it to maintain performance in heavy-duty degreasers and disinfectants used in food processing plants, hospitals, and other sanitation-critical areas.
Myristyl Amine Oxide also serves as a co-surfactant in formulations that require synergistic effects to achieve optimal cleaning power without excessive foam or residue.
In textile processing and fabric care, Myristyl Amine Oxide functions as an effective antistatic agent and fabric softener, helping reduce static cling and improving the softness and manageability of textiles during laundering, which is why it can be found in fabric conditioners and softening sprays.
This role extends to carpet cleaners and upholstery treatments where softness and reduced static are desired.
Myristyl Amine Oxide is utilized in agrochemical formulations as an emulsifier or dispersant, aiding in the even distribution of active ingredients in pesticide sprays or herbicides to improve their efficacy and adherence to plant surfaces.
Its chemical robustness also makes it useful in industrial lubricants and coatings, where it helps stabilize formulations and improve surface wetting and spreading.
Safety Profile:
Myristyl Amine Oxide, like many surfactants, can pose certain health and safety risks if not handled properly.
It is generally considered to be of low to moderate toxicity, but exposure can still cause skin and eye irritation, especially at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact.
Individuals working with concentrated forms of this chemical may experience redness, itching, or burning sensations upon skin exposure, and if it gets into the eyes, it can cause discomfort, tearing, and possible temporary damage.
Inhalation of aerosols or mists containing Myristyl Amine Oxide may irritate the respiratory tract, potentially leading to coughing, throat irritation, or difficulty breathing, particularly in poorly ventilated areas or during industrial-scale handling.
Therefore, proper ventilation and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and masks are recommended during manufacturing, formulation, or cleaning operations involving this compound.
From an environmental perspective, Myristyl Amine Oxide is toxic to aquatic life, with the potential to cause long-lasting effects in aquatic environments if released in significant amounts.
It is moderately biodegradable but can accumulate and impact fish and other aquatic organisms negatively. As such, spills and wastewater containing this chemical must be carefully managed to prevent contamination of natural water bodies.
While Myristyl Amine Oxide is not classified as a carcinogen or mutagen, repeated or high-level exposure should be avoided to reduce any risk of sensitization or allergic reactions, which could develop in sensitive individuals after repeated skin contact.
Additionally, mixing this chemical improperly with other substances could cause unwanted chemical reactions, so proper storage and handling protocols should be strictly followed.
