cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is a quaternary ammonium compound commonly used as a surfactant and emulsifying agent. It is often found in various personal care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, due to its ability to reduce surface tension and improve the texture of formulations. CTAB can also act as a disinfectant and is used in laboratory settings for cell lysis and DNA extraction.
In addition to its applications in cosmetics, CTAB is utilized in the synthesis of nanoparticles and as a stabilizing agent in chemical reactions. Its effectiveness in forming micelles makes it valuable in both industrial and research contexts, particularly in the fields of biochemistry and materials science.