Methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CAS NO.: 5039-78-1)：The Widespread Use and Comprehensive Analysis of Cationic Monomers
1、 Product Overview
Methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC, 78% solution) is a cationic monomer used primarily as a flocculant in water treatment, a retention aid in papermaking, an antistatic agent in textiles, a conditioning additive in personal care products, and a key building block for functional polymer synthesis.
2、 Basic Product Information
1）Product Name: Methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride
2）CAS NO.：5039-78-1
3）Molecular formula: C9H18ClNO2
4）Molecular weight: 207.7
5）Structural formula:
6）Assay: ≥ 78%
7）Appearance: Colourless or pale yellow transparent liquid
8）Boiling point: >100°C
9）Density: 1.105 g/mL at 25 °C
10）Flash point: >100°C
11）Transport Information: Not dangerous goods
12）Product Manager Email:jessie@coreychem.com
3、 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1:Please describe the basic physical characteristics of Methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CAS NO.: 5039-78-1).
Under standard conditions, this substance is a transparent liquid, usually colourless or pale yellow. Its density at 25 °C is 1.105 g/mL, and its refractive index is 1.469. It remains liquid even when the temperature drops to approximately –25 °C, and its boiling point is above 100 °C. It mixes readily with water. As it is prone to polymerisation, it should be stored in a cool, dark, dry and well-ventilated place, ideally at a temperature below 25 °C.
Question 2:What are the standout application features of this product?
This product is best known for its use as a cationic monomer in the production of functional polymers. Its uniqueness lies in its molecular structure—a single molecule contains both a polymerisable methacryloxy group and a positively charged quaternary ammonium group. This dual nature enables it to introduce both reactivity and a positive charge into the polymer structure simultaneously, which is precisely why it is so useful in the fields of flocculation, antistatic treatment and surface treatment. Industries such as water treatment (particularly sludge dewatering), textiles and paper manufacturing (for softening and antistatic effects), and personal care (as a hair conditioner) all rely on these properties.
Question 3:What role does it play in polymer synthesis?
This product can be regarded as a fundamental building block in polymer chemistry. Its methacryloxy group readily participates in radical polymerisation, whilst the trimethylammonium group provides a positive charge. It can polymerise on its own to form PDMC, or combine with other monomers (such as acrylamide) to produce the P(DMC-AM) copolymer. The cationic polyelectrolytes produced in this way are widely recognised in various industrial processes for their high efficiency and low toxicity.
Question 4:What storage and handling precautions should be taken?
Because DMC is prone to unwanted polymerization, it needs careful attention during storage. Keeping it below 25°C in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area is recommended. A stabilizer like MEHQ is usually added at around 600 ppm to help maintain stability. Since the solution can irritate skin and eyes, it’s important to wear suitable protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles, when handling it.
Question 5:Does the concentration of Methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride make a difference in how it performs and how it should be handled?
Yes, it does. The product is commonly supplied as a 78–80% aqueous solution, but concentration choices affect several aspects of its use:
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How much to use – Higher concentration means you get more active ingredient per kilogram, so you need to add less product to your formulation. Lower concentration means you’ll need to use more to achieve the same effect.
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How it reacts – Concentrated solutions have more reactive molecules packed together, which can cause polymerization to kick off faster and generate more heat. This is something to keep in mind when designing your reaction process.
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How long it lasts – Diluted versions tend to be more stable during storage because there’s less reactive material to cause trouble. Concentrated ones are more prone to unwanted polymerization and need tighter temperature control.
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How it flows – The thicker the concentration, the higher the viscosity. This can affect how easily the product can be pumped, transferred, or mixed into a formulation.
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How much it costs – Higher concentration cuts down on shipping costs because you’re moving less water. But the price per kilogram for the concentrated version is usually higher. It comes down to weighing the trade-offs based on your specific needs.
4、 Application Cases
Application 1:Preparation of Cationic Flocculants for Water Treatment
In the field of water treatment, DMC acts as a cationic flocculant and sludge dewatering agent. As a cationic monomer, it can form high-molecular-weight polyelectrolytes through polymerisation or copolymerisation reactions, effectively neutralising negatively charged suspended particles and colloids in wastewater. Its positive charge promotes the aggregation, flocculation and sedimentation of solid particles, making it particularly valuable in municipal sewage treatment, industrial wastewater purification, and sludge thickening and dewatering processes.
Application 2:Production of Paper Strengthening and Retention Aids
In the paper industry, this product acts as a retention aid and a paper strength enhancer. Its cationic quaternary ammonium groups enable it to adsorb strongly onto negatively charged cellulose fibres, fine powders and fillers, thereby improving their retention in the paper sheet and reducing material loss in the white water. It also functions as a dry strength agent, enhancing both the physical strength and printability of the finished paper, whilst promoting dewatering and formation during the paper-making process.
Application 3:Development of Antistatic and Softening Finishing Agents for Textiles
In the textile industry, this product functions as a cationic finishing agent and an anti-static modifier. Its positive charge enables it to form a strong bond with the negatively charged surfaces of synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon. This imparts long-lasting anti-static properties to the fabric, enhances its softness and hydrophilicity, and improves dye uptake and colour fastness. Furthermore, DMC-based finishing treatments help to reduce fibre pilling and improve the overall handfeel of the finished textiles.
Application 4:Formulation of Conditioning and Film-Forming Additives for Personal Care Products
In the personal care and cosmetics industries, this product acts as a conditioning agent and film-forming additive. Its cationic nature enables it to adhere to negatively charged surfaces, such as hair and skin, forming a smooth, thin protective film. This not only improves the combability of hair care products on both wet and dry hair, but also imparts a soft, moisturising and non-greasy feel to skincare formulations. It is widely used in shampoos, conditioners, lotions and creams to enhance the sensory experience and product performance.
Application 5:Synthesis of Functional Copolymers with Controllable Charge Density
In the field of functional polymer synthesis, this product plays a vital role as a key cationic building block. It contains both a polymerisable methacryloyl group and a positively charged quaternary ammonium group, enabling it to undergo homopolymerisation or copolymerisation with other monomers (such as acrylamide, acrylic acid or vinylpyrrolidone). This makes it a key raw material for the design of cationic polymers with controllable molecular weight and charge density; such polymers are widely used in fields such as flocculation, thickening, dispersion and surface modification.
5、 Safety and Storage
1）Store below 25°C in a cool, dry, dark place；
2）Avoid high temperatures and sunlight during transport.
3）Store separately from strong oxidants and strong alkalis
6、Product Manager Information
Product Manager: Jessie Liu
Email: jessie@coreychem.com
