Quick Search
Palmitamidopropyltrimonium chloride (commonly abbreviated PATC) is a quaternary ammonium–based, amide-linked conditioning agent widely used in hair-and-skin cosmetic formulations.
It combines a long C16 (palmitoyl) hydrophobic tail with a cationic trimethylammonium head via a propylamido spacer.
This unique amphiphilic structure gives PATC substantive adsorption to keratin, antistatic and detangling performance, and conditioning benefits at low use levels.
This article surveys nomenclature and synonyms, physico-chemical properties, production/synthesis concepts, analytical methods, formulation and performance in cosmetic systems, biological and toxicological considerations, environmental fate, regulatory status, compatibility/stability, and practical guidance for formulators and researchers. Key sources are cited in the most load-bearing places.
Names, identifiers, and synonyms
Preferred name (INCI): Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride.
CAS registry number: 51277-96-4.
Molecular formula: C₂₂H₄₇ClN₂O. Molecular weight: ~391.07 g·mol⁻¹.
SYNONYMS:
Trimethyl[3-(hexadecanoylamino)propyl]aminium chloride (1:1).(Hexadecylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride.Palmitoyl tetramine / N-palm triamine.
Molecular structure and chemical class
PATC is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) bearing a single long hydrophobic acyl chain (palmitoyl, C16) linked through an amide bond to a 3-carbon spacer that terminates in a trimethylammonium moiety (chloride counter-ion).
The net molecular architecture is amphiphilic: a hydrophobic tail favoring interaction with lipids and keratin, and a permanently positive cationic head responsible for substantivity to negatively charged surfaces (hair, skin, fabrics) and antistatic properties.
The amide linkage contributes to hydrogen bonding and hydrolytic stability characteristics distinct from simple fatty quaternary ammonium surfactants.
Physicochemical properties (practical summary)
Appearance: typically a white to light-yellow cream or viscous solution (commercial grades often sold as aqueous concentrates).
Solubility: water-soluble as the chloride salt; soluble in typical cosmetic solvents and miscible in aqueous surfactant systems at working concentrations.
Readily dispersible/dilutable in warm or cold water depending on grade.
pKa: permanently quaternized (no pKa for the quaternary center), non-ionizable in normal pH range; overall cationic at all formulation pH.
Melting/Softening: solid technical grades may have a melting/softening range; commercial formulations are usually liquid/cream concentrates.
Partitioning: strongly amphiphilic — expected low water solubility for the free fatty amide component but the quaternary salt form imparts water miscibility; measured logP values vary with method, but the long C16 chain gives significant lipophilicity to the molecule’s hydrophobic region.
Stability: generally stable under neutral to mildly acidic conditions; hydrolysis of the amide can occur under strongly acidic or basic conditions and elevated temperatures — formulation pH and storage conditions affect long-term stability.
See section on stability.
Typical synthesis and manufacturing (overview)
Detailed industrial routes are proprietary, but general synthetic logic used for fatty-amide quaternary ammonium salts like PATC includes two principal stages:
Amide formation (acylation): Palmitic acid (or palmitoyl chloride) is coupled to a 3-aminopropyl tertiary amine precursor (for example 3-aminopropyl-N,N-dimethylamine analogues) to yield a palmitoyl-amido-propyl tertiary amine intermediate (an N-acylamino propyl tertiary amine). Conditions: conventional amide coupling (activation by carbodiimide, acid chloride route, or direct heating with catalyst) under anhydrous conditions.
Quaternization: The tertiary amine is quaternized (alkylation) by reaction with methylating agents (commonly methyl chloride, methyl iodide followed by halide exchange to chloride, or dimethyl sulfate in certain manufacturing contexts) to form the quaternary trimethylammonium chloride salt. The final product is neutralized/exchanged to give the chloride counter-ion and formulated into aqueous concentrate.
Manufacturers optimize order of steps, protecting groups, and solvent/reagent choices to maximize yield and minimize impurities. Commercial material is often supplied as aqueous solutions (e.g., 70% PATC) or low-toxicant concentrates. (This paragraph describes common/representative approaches used for quaternary fatty amide manufacture; consult manufacturer TDS or patent literature for precise proprietary processes.)
Analytical characterization and quality control
Common analytical techniques used during development, QC and stability testing:
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H and ¹³C NMR): confirms the amide bond formation and the presence of trimethylammonium methyl signals; integration and chemical shift pattern confirm chain length and substitution.
Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS or HRMS): molecular ion confirmation; useful for detecting low-level impurities or alternative acyl chain lengths.
Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR): characteristic amide I (≈1650 cm⁻¹) and amide II bands; C–H stretching for long alkyl chain.
Elemental analysis / CHN: verifies composition consistent with C₂₂H₄₇ClN₂O.
HPLC / LC-MS: separation of residual reactants, by-products, and related impurities; reversed-phase methods commonly used with appropriate detection (UV, ELSD).
Ion chromatography / titration: quantify chloride content and verify counter-ion.
Viscosity and refractive index: relevant for concentrate specification.
Melting point / softening point and appearance: physical QC.
Suppliers provide Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Certificates of Analysis describing typical analytical acceptance criteria (assay %, water content, acid value, chloride content, appearance).
Functional properties and mechanism of action in formulations
PATC is a conditioning and antistatic agent with multiple performance roles:
Substantivity to keratin: The cationic trimethylammonium head strongly adsorbs to negatively charged hair and skin surfaces (keratin), producing durable deposition of the hydrophobic palmitoyl moiety.
This reduces friction between hair fibers and improves combability and wet/dry detangling.
Antistatic effect: Neutralizes static charges on hair/fabrics due to its cationic nature, minimizing fly-away and improving manageability.
Emolliency and lubrication: The long palmitoyl tail provides lubricity and a smooth feel to hair and skin.
Compatibility with surfactant systems: PATC is often compatible with anionic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactant systems when used correctly; in shampoos, it can be co-emulsified or pre-dissolved to provide conditioning without excessive precipitation.
Thickening and rheology modification: At certain concentrations and in specific systems, PATC can influence viscosity and texture, particularly in clear formulations.
Performance advantages over simpler cationics (e.g., behentrimonium chloride) can include better mildness, specific substantivity patterns conferred by the amide spacer, and potentially improved biodegradability depending on formulation.
Comparative performance depends on chain length, degree of saturation, and counter-ion.
Typical applications and formulation use levels
Primary applications:
Rinse-off hair care: conditioning shampoos, 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioners, detangling shampoos.
Leave-on hair care: conditioners, creams, styling products (lower concentrations).
Skin care: lotions and creams for conditioning and mild cationic benefit (less common than in hair products).
Fabric care and some industrial formulations where antistatic/softening action is desirable.
Typical concentration ranges (industry practice):
Rinse-off shampoos: 0.1–1.0% (function as conditioning agent, antistatic).
Leave-on conditioners / hair creams: 0.5–3.0% depending on desired conditioning intensity and sensory profile.
Fabric softeners / specialty: formulation-dependent (often higher levels when used as primary softener).
Exact use levels require performance testing and are influenced by system pH, surfactant concentration, presence of electrolytes, and desired sensory outcome.
Commercial TDS documents from suppliers give starting recommendations.
Formulation guidance and compatibility
pH range: PATC is formulated typically within slightly acidic to neutral ranges (pH ~3.5–6.5) for optimal stability and compatibility with hair care systems; strongly alkaline systems can promote amide hydrolysis.
Always validate stability at the intended pH.
Interaction with anionic surfactants: Because PATC is cationic, strong interactions (complexation/precipitation) with anionic surfactants may occur if mixed undiluted.
In practice, compatibility is achieved by pre-dilution, staging order (addition to finished surfactant phase), or using amphoteric/nonionic co-surfactants to maintain clarity.
Specialist supplier notes recommend incorporation techniques for clear formulations.
Viscosity effects: PATC can affect viscosity—test rheology in target formulation. It may act as a thickener in certain surfactant matrices.
Preservative interactions: Cationic surfactants can have antimicrobial action and may interact synergistically or antagonistically with preservative systems; preservative efficacy must be validated (challenge testing) for the final formula.
Solubilization: Use warm water and gentle mixing for concentrate dilution; many commercial grades are designed for cold-water dilution.
Check supplier TDS for handling.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT PALMITAMIDOPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
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
