Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) is a quaternary ammonium compound commonly used in chemistry and biology. It is also known as hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. CTAB is a cationic surfactant, meaning it has a positively charged head group and a long hydrophobic tail.
Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide finds various applications:
1. Surfactant: CTAB acts as a surfactant, meaning it can lower the surface tension between two substances. Its often used in products like shampoos, conditioners, and other personal care products.
2. Emulsifier: Due to its surfactant properties, CTAB can help in the formation and stabilization of emulsions, where two immiscible liquids (like oil and water) are combined.
3. DNA and Protein Isolation: CTAB is commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry for the isolation of DNA and proteins. It helps in the extraction and purification of nucleic acids by disrupting the cell membrane and releasing the cellular contents.
4. Nanoparticle Synthesis: CTAB is used in the synthesis of nanoparticles, particularly gold nanoparticles. It acts as a stabilizing agent and controls the size and shape of the nanoparticles during synthesis.
5. Microemulsions: CTAB is utilized in the formation of microemulsions, which are stable dispersions of oil and water stabilized by surfactants. These microemulsions find applications in various fields including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries.