Quaternium-15 CAS#4080-31-3
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity – Effective against bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
Preserves product shelf life – Inhibits microbial growth through controlled formaldehyde release.
Dual functionality – Combines preservative action with cationic surfactant properties.
Cost-effective preservative – Offers a low-cost solution for formulation protection.
Quaternium-15 (CAS 51229-78-8), a quaternary ammonium compound, is commonly used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in cosmetics, personal care products (such as shampoos and lotions), and industrial formulations. It works by releasing formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth, helping to maintain product shelf life. Known for its broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and yeast, it remains an affordable option, though its safety has been questioned due to concerns over skin sensitization and formaldehyde release. In the EU, it is regulated to ≤0.2% and is restricted under Cosmetic Directive 76/768/EEC. Its chemical structure, which includes a quaternary nitrogen and a chlorallyl group, gives it both cationic surfactant properties and a slow-release biocidal effect.
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) |
