cetrimonium bromide

Cetrimonium bromide (commonly known as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or CTAB) is a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant with antiseptic, preservative, and antistatic properties. It is widely used in cosmetics, hair conditioners, and topical antiseptic formulations (often as a component of cetrimide). In addition to its antimicrobial activity, which is mediated by disrupting cell membranes and causing leakage of essential cell constituents, cetrimonium bromide is used in laboratory research for DNA extraction and the synthesis of nanoparticles. It has also been investigated in preclinical studies as an apoptosis-promoting anticancer agent, particularly for head and neck cancers, where it targets mitochondrial H+-ATP synthase (ATPase) and perturbs mitochondrial function.

Brand names

Acetoquat CTABBromatCetaflonCetarolCetavlonCirrasol-ODLissolamineMicolPollacidQuamoniumRhodaquat M-242B/99RonaCare Cetrimonium BromideSumquat 6030Sumquat6030Sumquat-6030SuticideVarisoft CTB 40

Other names

1-hexadecanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-, bromideCTABcetrimidumcetrimonium bromidecetyltrimethylammonium bromidehexadecyltrimethylammonium bromidepalmityltrimethylammonium bromide