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Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides

  • Cationic surfactants
  • CAS 155432520-0
  • IUPAC: C12-14 alkyl(2-hydroxyethyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, ethoxylated

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides (CAS 155432520-0) appears in 2 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Causes serious eye damage (H318) at concentrate strengths; eye irritant at use dilutions. Not classified as an asthmagen — lacks the benzyl group of ADBAC-type quats that drives occupational sensitization concerns.

This ethoxylated, hydroxyethyl-modified quaternary ammonium compound is used as a cationic surfactant in alkaline pre-wash and cleaning formulations. Unlike benzalkonium chloride (ADBAC), it does not carry a benzyl group — it has a hydroxyethyl modification that increases water solubility and reduces the occupational sensitization potential associated with ADBAC-type quats. No H334 (respiratory sensitizer) or H317 (skin sensitizer) classification is assigned to this compound class.

At the ingredient level, it carries aquatic toxicity (Daphnia 48H EC50 1–10 mg/l) and serious eye damage (H318). At working dilutions in consumer products (1–5% ingredient in concentrate, further diluted to 1–5% PIR at the panel), the classification steps down from H318 to potential eye irritation. The surfactant class complies with EU 648/2004 biodegradability requirements for detergent ingredients.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Cationic surfactant providing detergency and soil suspension; the hydroxyethyl and ethoxylate groups improve water compatibility relative to benzalkonium chloride-type quats

Common questions about Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides

What is Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides used for in car care?
Cationic surfactant providing detergency and soil suspension; the hydroxyethyl and ethoxylate groups improve water compatibility relative to benzalkonium chloride-type quats
Is Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides a VOC?
No. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides biodegradable?
Yes. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, C12-14-alkyl(hydroxyethyl)dimethyl, Ethoxylated, Chlorides has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.