benzyldimethyl[2-[(1-oxoallyl)oxy]ethyl]ammonium chloride NEW

Benzyldimethyl[2-[(1-oxoallyl)oxy]ethyl]ammonium chloride is the chemical name for a well-known cationic monomer used extensively in the polymer industry. Its most common trade name is ADAMQUAT® MC 80.

In simple terms, it's a specialized molecule designed to be built into larger polymer chains, where it imparts a permanent positive charge.

1. Breaking Down the Name (Structural Analysis)

The IUPAC name describes the structure perfectly. Let's break it into its core components:

• Benzyldimethyl...ammonium chloride: This is the core "quaternary ammonium" part.

  So far, we have: C₆H₅-CH₂- N⁺(CH₃)₂ ... Cl⁻ (This part is a common disinfectant, Benzalkonium Chloride).

• Ammonium: A nitrogen atom (N) with four bonds.

  Benzyl: A benzene ring attached to a methylene group (C₆H₅-CH₂-). This benzyl group is one of the four bonds to the nitrogen.

  Dimethyl: Two methyl groups (CH₃-) are attached to the nitrogen.

  Chloride (Cl⁻): The counter-ion that balances the positive charge.

• [2-[(1-oxoallyl)oxy]ethyl]: This is the crucial, reactive part of the molecule.

• oxy: An oxygen atom (-O-), forming an ether linkage.

  1-oxoallyl: "Allyl" means a three-carbon chain with a double bond (CH₂=CH-CH₂-). "1-oxo" means a carbonyl group (C=O) at the 1-position. So, "1-oxoallyl" is an acryloyl group (CH₂=CH-C(=O)-).

  ethyl: A two-carbon chain (-CH₂-CH₂-). This chain is the fourth bond attached to the nitrogen atom.

  [(1-oxoallyl)oxy]: This describes what is attached to the end of that ethyl chain.

Putting it all together, the full structure is:
C₆H₅-CH₂- N⁺(CH₃)₂ - CH₂-CH₂ - O - C(=O)-CH=CH₂ Cl⁻

2. Key Characteristics and Function

This molecule has two key functional groups that define its purpose:

1. Quaternary Ammonium Cation (Permanent Positive Charge): The nitrogen carries a permanent positive charge, making the entire molecule cationic (positively charged). This allows it to interact strongly with negatively charged surfaces, such as skin, hair, minerals, and bacterial cell walls.

2. Acrylate Vinyl Group (C=C double bond): The "CH₂=CH-" group at the end is a reactive site. This double bond can be opened and linked with other similar molecules in a chemical reaction called free-radical polymerization.

Its primary function is to act as a monomer. It is copolymerized with other monomers (like acrylamide) to create synthetic polymers called polyquaterniums.

3. Primary Uses

When polymerized, this molecule becomes a permanent, charged part of a polymer chain. These polymers have valuable properties:

• Hair Care Products (Conditioners): As a polyquaternium (e.g., Polyquaternium-82), the positive charges on the polymer chain electrostatically attach to the negatively charged proteins of damaged hair. This provides excellent conditioning, detangling, anti-static, and shine-enhancing effects.

  Cosmetics: Used in skin creams and lotions for its conditioning and antistatic properties.

  Water Treatment: Cationic polymers are used as flocculants to clump together and remove negative suspended particles and organic matter from water.

  Textile Industry: Used as a softener and antistatic agent for fabrics.

  Paper Industry: Acts as a retention and drainage aid.

4. Key Properties

• Physical Form: Typically supplied as a clear, yellowish liquid (often as an 80% active solution in water, hence the trade name MC *80*).

  Solubility: Highly soluble in water.

  Reactivity: The vinyl group is reactive and can polymerize if not stored correctly (inhibitors like hydroquinone are usually added to prevent this). It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and anions that can form precipitates.

5. Safety (MSDS)

As a chemical, it must be handled with care:

• Hazards: It can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. It is also a skin sensitizer (can cause allergic reactions).

  Handling: Requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing.

Conclusion

In short, benzyldimethyl[2-[(1-oxoallyl)oxy]ethyl]ammonium chloride is not a final product you would find on a shelf, but a key building block (monomer) used to manufacture advanced cationic polymers that are essential in cosmetics, water treatment, and various industrial applications.