Chemistry often surprises with the long journeys behind basic compounds. Diethyl diallyl ammonium chloride, widely known as DEDAAC, has seen quite a transformation since its early days in the late twentieth century. It drew attention from polymer chemists exploring new monomers for specialty applications. This compound owes its existence to advances in quaternary ammonium chemistry, with scientists eager to build functional materials for water treatment and electronics. As researchers recognized its potential, development ramped up, especially in East Asia, where industrial growth demanded new chemical solutions. Facilities, mainly in China, improved the scalability of its production during the 1990s, turning what started as a lab curiosity into a bulk commodity for manufacturing. DEDAAC’s presence spread through technical journals and patent filings, signaling its arrival as a building block for advanced polymers. For anyone who’s ever walked into an industrial plant, it's hard not to notice how innovation in a compound’s synthesis can ripple through multiple sectors.
DEDAAC acts as a strong cationic monomer, providing a unique chloride salt structure. Its high reactivity comes from both the diallyl and diethyl functionalities attached to the ammonium center, giving it broad value as an intermediate. Many manufacturers ship it as a colorless or pale yellow liquid. Companies working in water purification, paper processing, and even oil recovery have learned to respect DEDAAC’s versatility. A chemist’s shelf isn’t fully stocked without this monomer, given how often technical teams reach for it to modify polymer properties or enable cationic charge in synthetic materials.
Looking at its makeup, DEDAAC packs a punch with a molecular formula of C10H20ClN. At room temperature, it forms a clear liquid, sometimes verging on light yellow if impurities linger. DEDAAC mixes easily with water, signaling high solubility. With a boiling point over 200°C and a moderate viscosity, it stays manageable on the factory floor. The salt solution remains stable under normal conditions, resisting breakdown until heated beyond 100°C. Its molecular structure, featuring diallyl groups and a quaternary ammonium core, supports fast reactions with alkenes and copolymerization in aqueous solution. Storage drums keep this compound out of sunlight and away from acids or bases, since prolonged exposure encourages slow hydrolysis or yellowing, which frustrates both lab technicians and plant operators.
Specifications for DEDAAC often include purity above 98%, chloride content within strict limits, and water content at levels to prevent dilution of downstream reactions. Drums bear labels with clear handling instructions, UN codes for hazardous chemicals, and batch numbers for traceability. Quality-conscious buyers pay attention to certificate of analysis results, looking for viscosity and pH within tight bands. International standards and REACH compliance shape how chemical distributors and end users access documentation.
Making DEDAAC hinges on a quaternization reaction. Producers react diethylamine with allyl chloride under controlled conditions, typically inside titanium-lined reactors to resist corrosion. The process requires careful temperature control — too much heat frontloads side reactions, too little draws out batch times painfully. Technicians adjust stoichiometry to favor full substitution, followed by purification through repeated washing and filtration to winnow away side products. Yields depend on keeping the pH in a neutral range and limiting exposure to air, which can oxidize the allyl groups and taint final purity.
The double bonds in the allyl groups open doors to polymer chemists aiming to construct chain-growth and cross-linked materials. DEDAAC readily participates in radical polymerization, joining forces with acrylamide or methacrylates to generate strong, cationic polymers. Modifications often follow, such as chain extension with vinyl compounds or functionalization with hydrophilic agents to tune solubility and charge density. Chemists appreciate the flexibility—once you link DEDAAC’s ammonium core into a polymer backbone, it brings antistatic, flocculant, or even biocidal qualities, simply by virtue of its built-in charge.
Industry rarely settles for a single label. Purchasers and sales teams come across DEDAAC under several guises, such as Diethyl-2-propenyl-2-propenylammonium chloride, Diallyldiethylammonium chloride, or DDAC. Some technical sheets refer to it as polyDEDAAC when used in polymeric form. These alternate names sometimes confuse newcomers, but seasoned staff recognize the trade names and adjust documentation to comply with regional naming habits. Synonymy complicates ordering, teaching many junior buyers to double-check CAS numbers before placing large orders.
Chemical plants working with DEDAAC enforce stringent safety controls. DEDAAC irritates skin and eyes, so operators don gloves, goggles, and splash guards. Ventilation matters since volatilization can produce fumes, especially in heated vessels or during spills. Emergency protocols address direct contact, with eyewash stations and showers stationed on the processing line. Disposal routes pass through biochemical treatment or incineration, avoiding uncontrolled release to waterways. Supervisors train staff frequently, citing local occupational health rules and MSDS sheets that highlight both acute and chronic hazards. Transport regulations, including those under the UN Dangerous Goods Code, mandate leak-proof packaging and secure labeling.
Industrial consumers see strong results once DEDAAC-based polymers enter water treatment plants. Here, cationic polymers flock together suspended solids, clarifying murky water for safe discharge or recycling. In the pulp and paper sector, process engineers favor its robust charge density for dewatering and retention systems. Operators in oilfields rely on DEDAAC’s polymers for enhanced oil recovery, where the compound modifies the viscosity and charge of injected fluids, boosting yield from older wells. Electroplaters turn to the compound’s conductive polymers for efficient metal deposit. Textile finishers, too, experiment with its antistatic materials, striving for smoother, dust-resistant fibers. Countless material scientists keep tinkering with DEDAAC as new physical needs arise in electronics, adhesives, and specialty coatings.
The last decade brought a surge in academic attention around DEDAAC’s roles in sustainable chemistry. University labs tweak the side chains to improve biodegradability or tailor antimicrobial activity. Some teams examine recycled plant matter or bio-derived amines as sustainable feedstocks, hoping to green up the supply chain. Instrumentation advances, like NMR and chromatography, help researchers validate chain structure in copolymers, while pilot Line studies seek scalable modification routes. Funding often flows from industry consortia hoping for breakthroughs in energy-efficient processing or safer production. Real progress appears in publishing: dozens of papers dissect the polymerization kinetics, mechanical properties, and microstructure tuning of DEDAAC-based materials.
Toxicologists at environmental agencies dig deep into the fate of DEDAAC in natural systems, especially after reports of persistent residues near paper mills and municipal plants. Studies run aquatic toxicity tests on Daphnia and fish, looking for acute or chronic impacts. Early results show moderate aquatic toxicity, which prompts desires for improved treatment and degradation methods. Chronic inhalation studies in rodents signal irritation but no carcinogenicity at industry-standard exposures, offering some reassurance, but careful monitoring around workplaces and discharge zones remains essential. Most regulators set conservative maximum allowable concentrations in effluents to protect both worker health and river systems.
Future uses for DEDAAC span more than water cleanup or paper mills. Engineers tinkering with energy storage look into its polyelectrolyte forms for novel batteries and fuel cells, seeking high conductivity and chemical stability. Biotechnologists study cationic polymers for gene delivery and controlled release, banking on DEDAAC’s charge-based binding with biological macromolecules. In a world hungry for cleaner industrial processes, the market will likely see more bio-based or biodegradable variants arriving on the scene. Investors and innovators search for lower toxicity, tailored polymer structures, and plant-friendly production, knowing that regulations grow tighter every year. Chemists on the ground feel pressure to invent the next leap, whether it means faster curing resins, antiviral surfaces, or greener coagulants—progress starts in the barrel but ends with thoughtful, tested, sustainable applications.
Water treatment plants rely on chemicals that help separate unwanted materials from water. Diethyl diallyl ammonium chloride, often called DEDAAC, steps up in this field because of its strong ability to gather together tiny bits in water. Flocculants containing DEDAAC help clump impurities and sediments, making them big enough to get filtered out. Many municipal water suppliers use this approach to get clean, clear water for drinking or use in industry. DEDAAC-based products can show rapid results compared to old-school aluminum or iron salts. Working with water quality teams in both urban and rural setups, I’ve seen firsthand how dependable this compound is for treating challenging source water — especially where other systems keep clogging or fail during rainy seasons.
Turning wood into usable paper takes a surprising amount of chemistry. Paper producers use DEDAAC to improve retention, where bits of fiber, filler, and other additives stick together better during formation. This means less waste, more even paper, and smoother operation for the machines. A mill manager once walked me through their process, highlighting a big drop in clogs and jams after switching to DEDAAC-based additives. Efficiency goes up, costs come down, and the quality holds steady. Since paper mills deal with hefty loads of water and recycled materials, keeping things running smoothly is the key to staying competitive.
Textile factories put DEDAAC to work getting excess dyes and chemicals out of their wastewater streams. Dyes do not leave easily; they travel with water and cause pollution if untreated. DEDAAC helps neutralize the electric charge on dye particles, allowing them to settle or float for removal. This step matters for both company compliance and environmental reasons. From hands-on work with textile effluents, I can vouch for how DEDAAC enables plants to meet stricter regulations and avoid polluted discharge. It’s tough for small facilities to keep up with rules, but this chemical gives them a fighting chance.
Oilfields use lots of water in drilling and extraction. DEDAAC enters the scene here as a part of fluid-loss additives. The chemistry helps strengthen the filter cakes that form along the wellbore, keeping drilling mud from leaking into porous formations. This preserves pressure balance, reduces risk, and helps prevent well blowouts. The oil industry gravitates to DEDAAC because they deal with tough drilling conditions and high-salinity brines. Field engineers mention DEDAAC’s reliability even when dealing with unpredictable underground conditions.
Great results come from responsible handling. Overuse or improper dosing can stress filtration systems or generate more waste sludge for disposal. Advances in monitoring help fine-tune chemical feeds, reducing waste and improving efficiency. Training plant personnel to recognize process changes goes a long way. Partnerships between manufacturers and users spark ongoing improvement, especially when feedback loops are built into contracts and daily routines. Regulatory offices can support smart use by approving low-toxicity blends and requiring regular reports on use and performance, nudging the industry toward safer operations.
Most people don’t see DEDAAC in daily life, but this chemical shows up in specialized workplaces, especially labs and manufacturing plants. My background in chemical safety has stuck with me because the things you don’t see or smell can cause the most trouble. DEDAAC belongs to a class of chemicals that interact strongly with their environment, and small mistakes can bring big problems down the road.
Safety isn’t just a list of steps—it's a mindset. DEDAAC isn’t just a bottle on the shelf; it's a substance that can react fiercely if mishandled. Touching, inhaling, or letting it escape containment can trigger burns, allergic responses, or toxic effects. Some may think skipping gloves or working quickly saves time. In reality, those shortcuts often lead to costly accidents or lasting health problems.
Familiarity shouldn't breed carelessness. Anyone who works around DEDAAC must wear gloves, goggles, and a lab coat every time—no excuses. I’ve seen up-close how splash goggles prevented a serious eye injury when a drop jumped from a pipette. When skin contact occurs, even for a moment, it can cause rashes, burns, or more serious issues. Washing with plenty of water immediately lowers the risk, but if symptoms appear, the only move is to get a health professional involved fast.
Don’t underestimate the risk of breathing in vapors or dust. There’s a reason proper ventilation remains top priority. Chemical fume hoods and exhaust fans matter even with tiny volumes. One good rule: if you smell anything at all or see a vapor, the air system isn’t up to par. Respirators aren’t just for show—they protect from dangerous inhalation that cannot be undone by washing later. In crowded labs and small facilities, regular checks of filters and airflows save more than just headaches.
Storage often receives less attention than handling, but cutting corners here ends badly. DEDAAC needs a cool, dry, tightly closed location, far from anything that might trigger a reaction. Keep it away from acids, bases, and ignition sources. Labeling every bottle sharply and accurately keeps mistakes to a minimum. Accidental mixing has happened, even among experienced workers, and the results can be explosive.
Spills will happen, even with the best plans. What matters most is readiness. A proper spill kit, training, and clear protocols make the difference between a quick clean-up and a full-blown emergency. I’ve noticed the teams that rehearse emergencies act calmly under pressure. That kind of focus prevents panic and stops minor mistakes from turning into stories told in safety seminars for years.
People and systems—not just rules—keep a workplace safe. The best teams talk openly about risks, share close calls, and never treat safety as a box to check. Real leadership means making sure anyone can speak up if something looks or feels off, without fear or embarrassment. Managers who check in regularly, ask questions, and listen catch small issues before they grow.
Guidelines from groups like OSHA and the CDC don’t exist in a vacuum; every safety step draws from hard lessons learned in real accidents and near-misses. Trust their experience and build on it. Reliable training, honest reporting, updated equipment, and a daily respect for what DEDAAC can do will keep accidents rare and consequences minor.
DEDAAC stands for N,N-Diethyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride. Chemists know this compound falls under quaternary ammonium salts. Its structure reflects this: a positively charged nitrogen atom bonded to two ethyl groups and two methyl groups, with chloride balancing the charge as an anion. If you picture the molecular makeup, carbon and hydrogen chains sit on the nitrogen, branching into four arms. The actual formula: (C2H5)2(CH3)2N+Cl-.
Quaternary ammonium salts feature a nitrogen atom surrounded by four organic groups, never simple hydrogens. This makes DEDAAC more than just a chemical curiosity; it tells us something about its chemical behavior. The nitrogen’s positive charge means DEDAAC dissolves well in water, attracting water molecules and interacting with other ions. The structure holds together under a variety of lab conditions, explaining its presence in literature on ionic liquids and catalyst studies.
The molecular weight matters for practical uses. Every chemist has watched weights and balances, hoping for accuracy. The numbers break down like this: two ethyl groups (C2H5) add up to 29 each, two methyl groups (CH3) at 15 each, nitrogen sits at 14, chlorine covers 35.5. Tally the numbers: (2 × 29) + (2 × 15) + 14 + 35.5 = 137.5 grams per mole. This calculation helps with everything from preparing solutions to estimating quantities for reactions. I have missed a measurement by a fraction before, and in chemical work, those small numbers balloon into real problems fast.
DEDAAC gets attention for a reason. It has popped up in discussions about ionic liquids, which chemists use as solvents or electrolytes. These materials promise lower volatility and improved thermal stability compared to old-school solvents. The quaternary ammonium backbone is a favorite for building ionic liquids. Instead of dealing with flammable, smelly solvents, researchers can use compounds like DEDAAC for cleaner reactions and safer handling. The World Health Organization and environmental agencies take interest in these shifts toward greener chemistry, aiming to reduce hazardous emissions. The structure directly supports these advantages. DEDAAC doesn’t evaporate or ignite easily, so lab work becomes safer. That matters for students, technicians, and professional chemists alike.
No chemical is perfect. Researchers have raised questions about the toxicity of quaternary ammonium salts. While some are used as disinfectants, overuse stirs up concerns for water systems and resistance in microbes. Labs and manufacturers alike need to examine the fate of DEDAAC after its primary use. Treatment plants and green chemistry teams are exploring ways to break down or recycle these compounds. More work lies ahead—smart substitutions, cleaner breakdown methods, and tighter regulations can push chemistry to protect workers and the environment better. Practical know-how, like understanding the structure and size of DEDAAC, gives chemists a head start in meeting those goals.
Most people outside the chemical trade never see the inside of a chemical storeroom, so it’s easy to gloss over essential storage habits. But experience shows poor storage shortens the useful lifespan of nearly anything, especially sensitive compounds like DEDAAC. Heat, humidity, and contamination often lead to breakdowns or unwanted byproducts. For those who work with DEDAAC, storing it with the right approach means fewer problems, less waste, and better performance every time the drum gets opened.
DEDAAC breaks down faster if exposed to moisture or air. For that reason, I always keep it in sealed, airtight containers. A tight-fitting cap or a drum with a reliable gasket keeps atmospheric water and air out, which limits hydrolysis and slows oxidation. Some facilities use argon or nitrogen atmospheres for extra protection. That isn’t always practical for everyone, but in high-humidity climates, using a desiccant packet or working quickly to reseal bulk containers goes a long way.
Temperature swings spell trouble for organic chemicals. I store DEDAAC well away from heat sources or direct sunlight. A stable spot at room temperature, somewhere between 15°C and 25°C (59–77°F), keeps it from degrading too quickly. Fluctuating temperatures sometimes cause the container to “breathe,” pulling moisture in and out. In one warehouse I worked with, that caused real shelf life headaches until they started using smaller containers to cut down on exposure for the main stock.
Contaminants sneak in every time a cap comes off or a scoop isn’t clean. Just a trace of water or an incompatible chemical can set off a chain reaction. Regular checks for crust on bottle rims, clumping at the bottom of a drum, or off smells give early warning that things are starting to go wrong. Having a clean, dry transfer process sounds simple, but it cuts down waste and keeps quality steady. In my own work, switching from open scoops to liquid-tight pumps and dry funnels made life easier and saved money over the long run.
Most suppliers list a shelf life for DEDAAC between 12 and 24 months, provided it’s stored under the right conditions. This number isn’t just a guess — it’s based on careful lab measurements: chemical stability, absence of breakdown products, and performance testing. If the material sits for a year and a half on a hot, damp shelf, it won’t live up to those numbers. I check in with the supplier for certificates of analysis before a big job, especially if I’m working with an older batch or if the material has any off-color or foul smell. Those checks give peace of mind and keep projects on track.
No one enjoys replacing spoiled chemicals or redoing work because the materials let them down. Considering how much DEDAAC costs and how much damage a faulty batch can cause, it pays to treat it right. Secure the lids, keep the room cool and dry, label everything with date received, and run regular inspections. These practices may seem small, but every chemist and engineer who relies on this material reaps the reward in operational reliability and safer workplaces.
Dedicating a cool, dry space for DEDAAC keeps problems to a minimum. Sealed containers reduce the risk of breakdowns. Regular audits for age and condition save time, money, and stress. Based on years of storing specialty chemicals, taking these steps feels less like a chore and more like an investment in hassle-free work.
References:Every time someone works with a specialty chemical like diethyldiammonium acetate (DEDAAC), purity isn’t just a nice-to-have detail. It’s a dealbreaker. Even one small impurity in the batch can throw off an entire process, ruin the outcome, or force a batch recall. Nobody wants unexpected downtime or, worse, safety surprises. Suppliers with experience know you can’t just trust a label—reliable sources analyze every lot, and serious buyers read those certificates with a sharp eye.
The typical purity spec for DEDAAC lands around 98% or higher if it’s destined for research labs or manufacturing where precision runs the show. Anything below that risks introducing contaminants—things like unreacted starting materials, residual solvents, water, or by-products. Labs call those “unknowns,” and often that’s where major problems sneak in. Sometimes the real cost of a cheaper, low-grade batch isn’t on the invoice—it’s the troubleshooting, wasted materials, or delayed production that follows.
Checking quality on a data sheet might sound boring, but it’s a habit that pays off. Every trusted manufacturer includes potassium or sodium levels—these trace metals sneak in during processing. For demanding applications, metal traces need to stay below 10 ppm. Water content always gets a close look too. High moisture brings risks of hydrolysis or variable results. Good DEDAAC should list water below 0.5%, and many samples do better. Some certificates go further, spelling out color, appearance, and pH range for consistency between lots. If a spec is vague about those details, that often gives me pause. A reputable supplier won’t dodge those numbers.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry help spot even tiny contaminants, so labs that take purity seriously lean on these tests, not old school titration. Running those tests isn’t just about compliance—it builds confidence that the product won’t fail during a key step. Customers in pharma or semiconductor applications sometimes need extra documentation, such as details on chloride content or organics, to ensure compatibility with their downstream work. I always push for as much data as a supplier can provide. If a producer drags their feet when asked for extra test results, that speaks volumes.
Trust plays a big part. Over the years, I’ve come to rely on a handful of suppliers who take calls and troubleshoot if batch results show something off. Those who hide behind emails or refuse to send extra samples lose my business. It turns out the best chemical vendors have experienced chemists reviewing the numbers and keeping records clean, not just automated systems spitting out paperwork. This kind of diligence aligns with E-E-A-T guidelines—real expertise, reliable sourcing, and proof that human eyes checked the work.
Customers with tough requirements push the whole industry to do better. Asking hard questions, refusing vague specs, and demanding transparency force better practices. Imagine what would happen if buyers everywhere demanded not just purity, but verified quality backed by clear documentation. That kind of pressure turns minimum standards into real safety and progress, not just empty words on paper.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N,N-Diethyldiallylammonium chloride |
| Other names |
Diallyldiethylammonium chloride DEDAAC N,N-Diethyl-N,N-diallylammonium chloride Diethyl-diallyl-ammonium chloride Diallyl diethyl ammonium chloride |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈɛθaɪl daɪˈælɪl əˈmoʊniəm klɔːˈraɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 7398-69-8 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `/files/e30/model-3d/jmol/DEDAAC.jmol` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1204121 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:61117 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2206521 |
| ChemSpider | 167400 |
| DrugBank | DB14086 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b9e78b-8daf-4561-8057-100be02836b0 |
| EC Number | 205-477-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 126519 |
| KEGG | C18921 |
| MeSH | Diethyl diallyl ammonium chloride" does not have a specific MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) entry as of the latest MeSH update in 2024. |
| PubChem CID | 2723916 |
| RTECS number | BQ9625000 |
| UNII | U80WWH8F6E |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H20ClN |
| Molar mass | 190.73 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.61 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb ≈ 3.3 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4700 |
| Viscosity | 10-50 mPa·s (25℃) |
| Dipole moment | 6.48 D |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | Not assigned |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Corrosive, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, harmful if swallowed, toxic to aquatic life |
| GHS labelling | GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-2-ALK |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 210 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 400 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | Not Listed |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.6 mg/m3 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PolyDADMAC) Diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) Trimethylamine Quaternary ammonium compounds Benzalkonium chloride |
