Quaternium-15
Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Efficacy:Demonstrates effective control against a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
Extended Product Preservation:Inhibits microbial proliferation via controlled release of formaldehyde, significantly prolonging shelf life.
Dual Functionality:Merges preservative efficacy with cationic surfactant properties, delivering combined antimicrobial and stabilizing benefits.
Cost-Efficient Protection:Provides a highly economical option for microbial prevention in diverse industrial and consumer formulations.
Quaternium-15 (CAS 51229-78-8) is a quaternary ammonium compound widely utilized as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in cosmetics, personal care products (e.g., shampoos and lotions), and industrial formulations. It functions by gradually releasing formaldehyde, which effectively inhibits microbial growth and extends product shelf life. This compound exhibits broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and yeast, and remains a cost-effective solution for microbial control. However, its safety profile has raised concerns due to potential skin sensitization and formaldehyde release. In the European Union, its use is limited to concentrations ≤0.2% and is regulated under Cosmetic Directive 76/768/EEC. The molecular structure of Quaternium-15, featuring a quaternary nitrogen and a chlorallyl group, confers dual functionality as a cationic surfactant and a slow-release biocide.
Parameters
Melting point | 178-210 °C |
Boiling point | 396.43°C (rough estimate) |
density | 1.2898 (rough estimate) |
refractive index | 1.6300 (estimate) |
solubility | DMSO (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly) |
form | Solid |
color | Off-White to Pale Yellow |
LogP | 1.347 (est) |
EPA Substance Registry System | 1-(3-Chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride 2-(4080-31-3) |
Safety Information
Hazardous Substances Data | 4080-31-3(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 (as 50% aq soln) in female rats, rabbits (mg/kg): 1552, 78.5 orally; in female rabbits (mg/kg): 565 dermally (cosmetic ingredient review) |
