Myristyl amine oxide

Myristyl amine oxide is a zwitterionic surfactant with a C14 (tetradecyl) alkyl tail. It is a versatile surfactant that is used in a variety of personal care and industrial products.

Structure and properties

Myristyl amine oxide has the following chemical structure:

CH3(CH2)12N+CH3COO-

It is a white, waxy solid at room temperature and is soluble in water and organic solvents. Myristyl amine oxide is a zwitterionic surfactant, which means that it has both a positive and a negative charge.

Properties:

• Mildness: Myristyl amine oxide is a mild surfactant, which makes it suitable for use on sensitive skin.
• Foam boosting: Myristyl amine oxide is a good foam booster, which makes it useful in shampoos and other products that require a lot of foam.
• Skin conditioning: Myristyl amine oxide has been shown to be mildly skin conditioning. This is because it can help to reduce the evaporation of water from the skin.
• Antibacterial activity: Myristyl amine oxide has some antibacterial activity, which makes it useful in products such as hand sanitizers and disinfectants.

Applications:

Myristyl amine oxide is used in a variety of personal care and industrial products, including:

• Shampoos: Myristyl amine oxide helps to clean the hair and scalp without being too harsh. It also helps to boost foam and provide mild conditioning.
• Conditioners: Myristyl amine oxide helps to distribute the conditioner evenly throughout the hair and helps to reduce frizz.
• Skin cleansers: Myristyl amine oxide can be used in skin cleansers to help remove dirt, oil, and makeup without being too harsh.
• Hand sanitizers: Myristyl amine oxide is used in hand sanitizers to provide antibacterial protection.
• Disinfectants: Myristyl amine oxide can be used in disinfectants to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
• Industrial cleaning products: Myristyl amine oxide is used in some industrial cleaning products to help remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants.

Safety:

Myristyl amine oxide is generally considered safe for human use. However, it is important to avoid getting it in the eyes, as it can cause irritation.

Conclusion:

Myristyl amine oxide is a versatile surfactant that is used in a variety of personal care and industrial products. It is a mild surfactant that is also effective at cleaning, foaming, and conditioning.