Product Introduction: N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)cocamide (CAS: 68603-42-9)

Chemical Profile

N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)cocamide, with CAS number 68603-42-9, is a non-ionic surfactant derived from renewable coconut oil fatty acids and diethanolamine (DEA). It belongs to the ethanolamide family, characterized by a hydrophilic polyol headgroup (two hydroxyl groups per ethanolamine moiety) and a long-chain fatty acid tail (typically C12–C18, derived from coconut oil). This dual solubility profile (water-loving hydroxyls and oil-loving fatty acids) confers excellent surface activity, making it a versatile additive in formulations requiring emulsification, thickening, or foam stabilization.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid or soft paste (depending on purity; typical purity ≥98%).
• Solubility: Readily dispersible in hot water, ethanol, and polar solvents (e.g., propylene glycol); partially soluble in mineral oils and non-polar solvents. Forms clear to translucent solutions in warm water.
• Melting Point: 50–65°C (solid grades); liquid fractions may remain fluid below 45°C.
• pH Value: Neutral to slightly basic (6.5–7.8 in 1% aqueous solution at 25°C).
• Viscosity: High viscosity in concentrated form (10,000–50,000 mPa·s at 25°C); exhibits thixotropic behavior (shear-thinning) when agitated.
• HLB Value: ~12–14 (indicating good emulsifying properties for O/W systems).

Key Applications

CAS 68603-42-9 is prized for its mildness, biodegradability, and multifunctionality, making it suitable for a wide range of industries:

1. Personal Care Formulations

   • Hair Care: Acts as a foam booster and stabilizer in shampoos, body washes, and liquid soaps. Enhances lather volume and texture without harshness, improving user experience.
   • Skin Care: Serves as a mild emulsifier in creams, lotions, and facial cleansers, supporting the dispersion of oils and active ingredients while maintaining formulation stability.
   • Baby Care: Preferred for its low irritation potential, used in baby shampoos and body washes to ensure gentle cleansing.

2. Household & Industrial Detergents

   • Laundry Detergents: Improves wetting, degreasing, and soil suspension, reducing cleaning time and enhancing stain removal efficiency.
   • Dishwashing Liquids: Stabilizes rich foam in high-alkaline formulations while preventing residue buildup.
   • Industrial Cleaners: Used in metal cleaners, floor cleaners, and car washes to improve grease cutting and surface wetting.

3. Textile & Leather Processing

   • Textile Auxiliary: Functions as a softening agent and dye leveling agent, improving fabric softness, dye uptake, and color uniformity.
   • Leather Tanning: Enhances softness and water resistance in leather finishes, reducing stiffness and improving handle.

Safety & Compliance

• Toxicity: Low acute toxicity. Oral LD₅₀ (rat) > 2500 mg/kg; dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) > 5000 mg/kg. Non-irritating to skin (OECD 439 compliant) and eyes (OECD 492 compliant).
• Regulatory Approvals:
  • REACH (EU): Registered (Article 10; CAS 68603-42-9 listed in ECHA database).
  • FDA (21 CFR 178.1010): Approved for indirect food contact applications (e.g., packaging adhesives).
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009): Listed as a permitted surfactant (Annex VII, entry 140) for cosmetic use.
• DEA Content: Manufactured with strict controls to minimize residual diethanolamine (<0.05%), aligning with strict safety guidelines for personal care and baby products.
• Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (>90% within 28 days, OECD 301B compliant), minimizing environmental impact.

Handling & Storage

• Storage Conditions: Store in sealed, moisture-resistant containers at 10–30°C. Avoid freezing or prolonged exposure to high temperatures (>40°C), which may alter viscosity.
• Shelf Life: 24 months from production date under recommended storage conditions.
• Safety Precautions: Wear gloves and safety goggles during handling. Avoid inhalation of dust (for solid grades) or mist (for liquid grades). In case of skin contact, rinse thoroughly with water.