Cocamidopropyl betaine #CAS:86438-79-1

Cocamidopropyl betaine #CAS:86438-79-1

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAB/CAPB) is an amphoteric surfactant featuring a quaternary ammonium group as the cationic moiety and a carboxyl group as the anionic moiety. It has the molecular formula C19H38N2O3, a molecular weight of 342.52, and is identified by the CAS number 86438-79-1. Derived primarily from coconut oil and its derivatives, this substance offers low irritation, thickening, antistatic, softening, and bactericidal properties, as well as resistance to hard water and good biodegradability. It is highly water-soluble, exhibits strong pH stability, and is frequently used in combination with various other surfactants. It significantly enhances the softening, conditioning, and low-temperature stability of cleansing products, finding extensive application in personal care items—such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers—as well as in oilfield enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents.

Cocamidopropyl betaine is an important zwitterionic surfactant, with a mild detergent action that is also more viscous than the other types of surfactant.

Application of Cocamidopropyl

This product is an amphoteric surfactant that offers excellent cleansing, foaming, and conditioning properties. It exhibits good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants.

Characterized by low irritation and a mild nature, it produces a fine, stable foam. It is suitable for use in formulations such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, and helps enhance the softness of hair and skin.

When combined with an appropriate amount of anionic surfactant, this product provides a significant thickening effect. It can also function as a conditioning agent, wetting agent, bactericide, or antistatic agent.

Due to its superior foaming capabilities, it is widely used in oilfield operations—primarily as a viscosity reducer, oil-displacement agent, and foaming agent. By leveraging its surface-active properties, it facilitates the wetting, penetration, and detachment of crude oil from oil-bearing mud, thereby enhancing recovery rates during tertiary oil recovery.