Di(Octyl/Decyl)Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (D8021), also known as Di(octyl/decyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, is a twin-chain cationic surfactant with the CAS number 68424-95-3. Its primary application is as a broad-spectrum biocide in industrial water treatment, with secondary uses as a softener, antistatic agent, and emulsifier.
Primary Use: Industrial Biocide & Water Treatment
D8021’s core function is sterilization, mildew prevention, and corrosion inhibition in water systems.
Oilfield & Cooling Water: It is widely used as a bactericide for oilfield injection water and industrial circulating cooling water to control microbial growth and biofouling.
Recreational & Agricultural Water: It serves as a disinfectant for swimming pools and can be used in aquaculture and farmland biocide applications, often compounded with other quaternary ammonium compounds like 1227.
Disinfection: It is used to formulate hard surface disinfectants and fungicides, and as a wood preservative agent.
Secondary Applications Across Industries
Beyond water treatment, its cationic properties make it useful in several fields:
Textile & Leather: Functions as a fiber softener, carding assistant, and moth-proofing agent.
Personal Care: Used in hair conditioners and skin care as a cationic conditioning agent and fungicide/softener.
Industrial Additives: Serves as an emulsifier, antistatic agent, and corrosion inhibitor in various processes.
Key Structural Advantage
Compared to the more common didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), D8021 has a mixed C8/C10 chain structure. This gives it better water solubility, making it more suitable for certain special fungicide systems and enhancing its diffusion and efficacy.
Handling & Storage
Form: Typically supplied as a clear, pale yellow to straw-colored liquid with active content of 50% or 80%.
Safety: Avoid contact with eyes and skin; flush with water if contact occurs.
Storage: Store in a shady, dry, well-ventilated area. Shelf life is generally one year under proper conditions.