Diallyldimethylammonium chloride, often shortened as DADMAC, is a quaternary ammonium cationic monomer used broadly in the production of water-soluble polymers. With a molecular formula of C8H16ClN and a molecular weight of 161.67 g/mol, it stands out for its ability to create strong cationic polymers that play a role in water treatment, paper manufacturing, and textile processing. Recognized by its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Number 7398-69-8, DADMAC appears as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid in its standard commercial form, though solid, crystal, powder, and flake forms also exist depending on application needs and storage requirements.
The substance demonstrates complete miscibility with water, producing a solution that remains stable over time. Its density sits near 1.00 g/cm³ for the liquid, shifting slightly depending on the concentration, temperature, and specific grade. In the solid or flake state, DADMAC stays crystalline and is easily soluble in water, which leads to fast preparation of concentrated solutions for on-site use. DADMAC’s melting point hovers around 70°C to 75°C in pure form and typically, commercial solutions come in 60% or 65% concentrations. The vapor pressure remains low, and the pH value of a standard solution falls in the 5 to 7 range, allowing safe handling in most industrial settings with standard precautions. The compound gives off a faint, amine-like odor and, under normal conditions, shows little volatility.
Taking a look at its structure, DADMAC’s molecule contains two allyl groups attached to a dimethylammonium core. This configuration allows it to readily participate in polymerization reactions, especially free-radical processes, producing high-molecular-weight products used throughout the chemical industry. Its cationic nature makes it attractive for flocculation, which is why water treatment plants rely on it for coagulation and removal of impurities. DADMAC reacts with various initiators and copolymerizes well with monomers like acrylamide, thus supporting a broad range of polymer characteristics. Its stability in neutral environments helps maintain purity during transport and storage, provided storage containers protect against excessive moisture or light exposure.
DADMAC comes in several physical forms including aqueous liquid, powder, crystal, flake, solid, and even pearl-like granules. Liquid grades usually offer concentrations of 60% or 65% in solution, aligning with requirements for polymer production and convenient handling using standard volumetric dosing equipment. The solid, powder, or flake forms grant high purity and longer shelf life, catering to users prioritizing stability or special processing situations. DADMAC’s packaging aligns with its moisture sensitivity; whether in sealed drums for the liquid or lined bags for solids, moisture ingress must remain tightly controlled to preserve reactivity and shelf stability. The HS Code commonly listed is 2921290090, falling under other cyclic quaternary ammonium salts.
Industrial plants depend on DADMAC to enhance processes across multiple sectors. It acts as a major raw material in producing polyDADMAC, a staple in municipal and industrial water treatment for removing charged particles from wastewater. Paper manufacturing leans on it for imparting retention and drainage properties to pulp, improving paper machine runnability and end-product strength. Textile dyeing and finishing incorporate DADMAC-based polymers to ensure colorfastness and antistatic characteristics on synthetic fibers. Its use even extends to oil recovery, cosmetic formulations, and performance additives for construction materials. The monomer itself derives from diallylamine reacting with methyl chloride, so manufacturers with access to these feedstocks sustain domestic and global supply chains.
Safety remains central with any chemical handling. DADMAC ranks as a low-to-moderate health hazard but can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system upon contact or inhalation. Direct ingestion brings far more serious problems. Workers should rely on gloves, goggles, and adequate ventilation, especially during batch transfer, mixing, or maintenance. Liquid spills call for careful cleaning with absorbent materials, avoiding rinsing into waterways due to aquatic toxicity concerns. Though DADMAC degrades in the environment, concentrated releases threaten aquatic organisms by altering water chemistry. Users must follow local guidance for chemical disposal and accidental release, making sure to protect stormwater drains and natural streams. As for transport classifications, DADMAC typically isn’t regulated as a dangerous good in many markets, but its reactivity with strong oxidizers and incompatibility with certain metals require vigilance in mixed chemical storage areas.
Chemical production in today’s world comes with expectations beyond performance. Factories increasingly report on the environmental footprint of DADMAC: tracking feedstock origin, managing emissions, and documenting safe handling procedures. This shift stems from rising pressure for transparency on the provenance of raw materials and worker protection standards. Down the line, end-users seek suppliers who offer traceability, batch-specific quality data, and assurance on residual monomer content. Manufacturers invest in closed-loop systems for wastewater and emissions, while collaborating with customers on best practices for safe handling and disposal. The chemical market rewards this transparency, especially in sectors sensitive to regulatory scrutiny or public concern over environmental and occupational health.
Choosing DADMAC for any process rests on understanding its properties, applications, and handling requirements. It delivers reliable performance as a cationic monomer across many industries, but only in the hands of responsible producers and users. with all these factors in mind—molecular structure, density, form, concentration, chemical behavior, and safety profile—customers can select and deploy DADMAC to support cleaner water, stronger materials, and more sustainable industrial development. Each drum, bag, or tanker carries with it the legacy of ongoing innovation and shared responsibility between producer and user.
