3-Chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium Chloride, often called CHPTAC, finds its name popping up on safety data sheets and in chemical supply catalogs. This compound turns up everywhere pulp meets paper and where fibers get modified. Schools never taught much about compounds like these, but a bit of reading shows that CHPTAC’s structure—C6H15Cl2NO—packs a quaternary ammonium group, a hydroxypropyl group, and a chloride tail. Together, these elements make it reactive with cellulose and starch, so it sticks around in papermaking and textile processing, and turns raw pulp into something that binds up with more strength and consistency.
CHPTAC’s properties matter every step of the way—from shipping to production to hand-on-use. Under normal conditions, it sits as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid. Some folks with sharp noses have described a faint odor, more chemical than anything else. Typically, it comes dissolved at around 65% to 69% in water with a density close to 1.08 g/cm³ at room temperature. Crystals rarely show up, but focusing on liquid helps with accurate dosing and safe mixing. Stability drops as heat rises or if alkaline material gets mixed in. Decomposition under tough conditions gives off hydrogen chloride, which folks in the industry know to respect for its bite.
CHPTAC’s official molecular formula—C6H15Cl2NO—reflects how chemistry shapes performance. Its molar mass stands tall at about 188.1 grams per mole. The structure spells out susceptibility to hydrolysis, linking its use to careful storage. Exposure risks call for attention: direct skin contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion may irritate the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. The solution’s corrosive potential surfaces especially when concentrated. Proper hazard labeling backs up these facts under GHS labeling, aligning with international shipping and field use. The product sits under the Harmonized System Code (HS Code) 2923.90.90, guiding customs and cross-border traceability.
Though most common in liquid form, CHPTAC isn’t restricted to just one style. Manufacturers also produce flakes, pearls, or powders depending on downstream needs. Liquid offers smoother dilution straight into water-based systems. Flakes and fine powders work for slow-blending or where transport weight matters more. In solid form, handling shifts—personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and goggles is non-negotiable here, protecting against splashes or airborne dust. Experience on a mill floor shows that spills get slick and sticky fast, with the crystalline salts grabbing any humidity in the air.
To pick the right grade, buyers look at purity (often above 65% for industrial grade), additives, and density. Liquid at standard concentration weighs in at roughly 1.08 grams per milliliter. Measuring out by the liter gets the most accurate results for blending, and a standard solution offers reliability batch-by-batch. Some formulas include stabilizers to push shelf life past twelve months. White or off-white flakes tend to match the needs of buyers seeking extended storage or transport. Vendors specify moisture content, pH (typically 5-7), and color index for quality checks.
CHPTAC comes from a reaction between epichlorohydrin and trimethylamine, both common in the world of chemical synthesis. Purity and starting material grades decide how much by-product needs filtering out at the end. Epichlorohydrin acts as the backbone but brings its own set of risks, being classified as a hazardous material in most regulatory schemes. Manufacturers design plants with containment and ventilation, controlling emissions and dust at each stage. Waste treatment looks out for residues in wastewater, especially unreacted amines or chloride ions. I’ve seen first-hand how a little lapse in process control can spike residual by-products, sending an entire batch to reprocessing.
On the safety front, CHPTAC belongs in the category of chemicals that demand respect. Short exposure stings, while long-term regular contact left unchecked causes more serious effects. Proper PPE—impervious gloves, face shields, and chemical-resistant clothing—backs up the SDS recommendations. Storage goes best in cool, ventilated areas, away from bases and sources of heat. Keeping containers sealed sharpens shelf life and cuts down on accidental releases. Spill control relies on absorbents like activated carbon, as plain water just spreads the mess. Disposal aligns with chemical waste management protocols, not down the drain or into landfill. Every shipment needs secure labeling, hazard class stickers, and documents matching international expectations.
CHPTAC earns its spot in industry, especially for cationizing starch, modifying cellulose, and building better paper products. It transforms raw pulps into engineered fibers that perform in filters, specialty tissues, and textiles. Beyond paper, polymer producers tap CHPTAC to alter the charge on polymer chains, giving rise to unique flocculant and retention aids in water treatment. Textile finishing picks up on the ability to bond with cotton, improving printability and dye uptake. Surfactant blends and personal care products have dabbled but manufacturers stay mindful of regulatory and safety restrictions.
No chemical in wide use exists without its environmental questions. For CHPTAC, breakdown in wastewater treatment sees most of it go mineral, but poor management can put aquatic life in harm’s way. Handling the raw materials exposes workers to higher hazard classes, putting responsibility on companies to enforce training, routine checks, and clear documentation. Long-term exposure to the parent chemicals tends to garner stricter regulation and oversight, making traceability in the supply chain a big deal for both buyers and manufacturers.
Minimizing risk in the supply chain for CHPTAC means starting with clear, honest communication on material data sheets. Tracking batches, maintaining airtight storage, and training people not just to follow, but also to question safety rules, prevents most incidents. Investing in good ventilation and closed-system manufacturing pays off both in safety and in less product loss. Improving wastewater containment has direct environmental benefit, and switching to lower-chloride feedstock cuts down on both risk and regulatory headaches. For buyers, sourcing from reputable producers who provide transparent test results avoids surprises on delivery.
3-Chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium Chloride blends unique chemistry, specific industrial benefits, and real-world requirements for safe handling. Chemical formula C6H15Cl2NO, HS Code 2923.90.90, used mainly in liquid form at a density near 1.08 g/cm³, with hazardous properties worth attention in storage and use. Main applications focus on papermaking, water treatment, and textile modification, where it supports physical improvements and functional upgrades. Safety controls and responsible waste management make the difference between efficient operation and regulatory trouble, shaping the future outlook for this chemical in both established and growing industries.
