Properties and Applications of Oleylamidopropyl Dimethylamine Oxide (OAPO)

Based on the provided search results, here is a summary of the properties and applications of Oleylamidopropyl Dimethylamine Oxide (OAPO).

Product Identification

Chemical Name: Oleylamidopropyl Dimethylamine Oxide

CAS Number: 61792-31-2 (Note: Some sources list CAS 25159-40-4, likely for similar amine oxides )

Molecular Formula: C₂₃H₄₆N₂O₂

Molecular Weight: 382.62

Physicochemical Properties

OAPO is typically supplied as a white paste . Key product specifications are:

Parameter Typical Value / Range Notes

Appearance White Paste

Active Content 23.0 - 27.0% Some sources state 25.0 ± 2.0%

pH (10% water solution) 5.5 - 7.5

Free Amine ≤ 1.0% One source mentions ≤ 0.8% max

Molecular Characteristics

OAPO is a zwitterionic surfactant with a unique molecular structure that includes a long hydrophobic chain (C₁₈H₃₅, derived from oleic acid) and a hydrophilic amine oxide head group . This structure, particularly the cis-double bond in its hydrophobic tail, gives it a low critical micelle concentration (CMC) and high interface activity .

Performance and Applications

The properties of OAPO make it suitable for a wide range of applications, notably in personal care, household, and industrial products.

1. Personal Care and Cosmetics

Skin and Hair Mildness: OAPO is recognized for its exceptional mildness to skin and hair, making it suitable for gentle formulations .

Hair Conditioning: It functions as an excellent soft conditioner in shampoos, leaving hair more supple, easy to comb, and with fine, shiny bubbles . One source highlights its ability to significantly reduce wet hair friction .

Foam Boosting & Thickening: It provides good foaming and thickening properties in shampoo formulations .

Antistatic: Listed with antistatic and cleansing functions among cosmetic ingredients .

2. Household and Industrial Detergents

Hard Surface Cleaning: Effective as a thickening agent and synergist in detergents for hard surfaces such as tableware, bathrooms, and building exterior walls .

Enhanced Performance: Compared to traditional products like 6501, it offers advantages such as requiring a lower dosage while providing higher efficiency, h3er wetting power, and better detergency .

3. Industrial and Specialty Applications

Lubrication and Anti-wear: In metalworking fluids, OAPO demonstrates extreme pressure and anti-wear properties .

Corrosion Inhibition: It can effectively inhibit corrosion, with one source reporting that a 0.1% concentration can significantly reduce corrosion area on cast iron .

Anti-Static Agent: Applied as an anti-static agent in various industrial processes .

Oilfield Applications: Identified as a potential gelling agent for aqueous fracturing fluids used in the oil and gas industry .

Biocidal Activity: A study shows OAPO exhibits medium sensitivity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/ml .

Compatibility and Synergistic Effects

As an amphoteric surfactant, OAPO is compatible with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants . It can reduce the irritation potential of anionic surfactants while contributing to foam stabilization and viscosity building through synergistic interactions .

Safety and Handling

Safety: It is considered very mild, with low irritation to skin and eyes .

Handling: Standard safety precautions should still be observed. Avoid direct contact with eyes and skin; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water .

Packaging and Storage

Packaging: Typically available in 50kg and 200kg plastic drums .

Storage: Should be stored in a shady, dry place indoors. The recommended storage period is one year .