Based on the provided search results, here is a summary of the properties and applications of Laurylamidopropyl Dimethylamine Oxide (LAPO, also known as LAPAO).
Product Identification
Chemical Name: Laurylamidopropyl Dimethylamine Oxide (Lauramidopropylamine Oxide)
CAS Number: 61792-31-2
Molecular Formula: C₁₇H₃₆N₂O₂
Molecular Weight: 300.48 g/mol
Physicochemical Properties
LAPO is a zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactant with a lauric acid-derived hydrophobic tail connected to an amine oxide hydrophilic head via an amide linkage . This amide bond is a key structural feature that differentiates it from simpler amine oxides like LDAO and influences its performance . Key product specifications are:
Parameter Typical Value / Range Notes
Appearance Solid, powder, or paste Also supplied as 30% or 99% active liquid
Melting Point 119-122 °C
Density 1.06 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Surface Tension 27.86 mN/m at 1 g/L and 20 °C Indicates high surface activity
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) ~1.56 mM (0.047% in H₂O) Comparable to LDAO but with distinct aggregation behavior
Water Solubility ≥ 20% (w/w) at 20 °C
pH Stability 4 – 9 (1% aqueous solution) Stable in highly alkaline media
Key Features:
Amphoteric Character: It exhibits non-ionic behavior in alkaline conditions and cationic behavior in acidic conditions, which provides versatility across different pH ranges.
Mildness: It is documented as significantly milder than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), making it suitable for applications in contact with skin and mucous membranes.
Performance and Applications
1. Personal Care and Cosmetics
Mild Cleansing: Used in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and oral care products for its low irritation profile.
Hair Conditioning: Functions as a conditioner, improving hair feel and manageability.
Foam Boosting & Stabilizing: Provides rich, stable foam and enhances the foaming properties of other surfactants, especially in synergy with anionic surfactants.
Thickening: Contributes to viscosity building in formulations.
2. Household and Industrial Cleaning
Detergency: Effectively removes dirt and grease in dish wash detergents, laundry detergents, and all-purpose cleaners.
Industrial Applications: Used in institutional and industrial (I&I) cleaners, textile processing, and leather manufacturing as an emulsifier, wetting agent, and antistatic agent.
Specialized Cleaning: Superior foam stability demonstrated in chemically challenging conditions (e.g., in the presence of acids, EDTA), which is relevant for nuclear decontamination and other harsh cleaning applications.
3. Life Science and Specialty Applications
Membrane Protein Research: Used as a detergent for the solubilization and purification of membrane proteins. It performs on par with gold-standard detergents like DDM and DMNG across a diverse range of targets, offering a potentially more cost-effective alternative .
Antimicrobial Properties: Exhibits some mild antimicrobial activity (MIC 50-100 µg/mL), which can contribute to self-preserving formulations.
Compatibility
LAPO is compatible with anionic, non-ionic, and cationic surfactants, making it highly versatile for formulation .
Safety and Handling
Safety: It is considered a mild surfactant with low skin and eye irritation compared to common alternatives like SLS .
Handling: Standard safety precautions should be observed. Avoid direct contact with eyes and skin; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water .
Packaging and Storage
Packaging: Typically available in 1 kg, 25 kg, and 200 kg containers, with custom packaging available .
Storage: Should be stored in a shady, dry place. For high-purity grades (e.g., ≥95% for research), aliquot and store at -20°C .