What is Coconut Diethanolamide?

Coconut Diethanolamide, CAS 68603-42-9, is a nonionic alkanolamide surfactant made by reacting coconut fatty acids with diethanolamine. It is also called Cocamide DEA, CDEA or 6501 and is used as a foam booster, thickener and stabilizer.

What is CDEA used for?

CDEA is used in shampoos, hand soaps, body washes, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents and industrial cleaners. It is normally combined with anionic surfactants to improve foam, stabilize lather and build viscosity.

How does CDEA improve foam and viscosity in surfactant systems?

CDEA interacts with primary anionic surfactants to produce denser, longer-lasting foam and increases formulation viscosity. The thickening effect depends on the CDEA grade, surfactant type and the ratio of coconut fatty acid to diethanolamine used during manufacture.

Is Coconut Diethanolamide suitable for cold-process clear formulations?

Yes, CDEA is commonly used in cold-process surfactant systems. Heating or pre-mixing may still be helpful when the grade is viscous, but it generally supports clear, stable formulations with good foam.

Why is free diethanolamine content important?

Free diethanolamine is a key quality and safety parameter for CDEA because residual secondary amine can contribute to nitrosamine formation potential. Commercial 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2 grades have different amide and free-amine profiles, so the supplier should state the grade and limits clearly.

How should Coconut Diethanolamide be stored and handled?

Store in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers and temperature extremes. Use liquid-chemical handling controls and suitable PPE, and follow the safety information.

Coconut Diethanolamide CAS 68603-42-9

Coconut Diethanolamide (Cocamide DEA / CDEA 6501), CAS 68603-42-9, is a non-ionic surfactant supplied for shampoos, body wash, liquid detergents and industrial cleaning. Confirm the required grade, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 68603-42-9
Synonyms: Cocamide DEA, Amides coco N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl), N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)cocoamide, coconut fatty acid diethanolamide, CDEA
Einecs: 271-657-0
Molecular Formula: RCON(CH₂CH₂OH)₂
Grade: Industrial / Cosmetic grade, typical active content ~85%
Package: 200 kg net HDPE drums 1000 kg IBC tanks Bulk / ISO tank or customized packing on request

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Product Description

Coconut Diethanolamide, CAS 68603-42-9, also known as Cocamide DEA, CDEA or 6501, is a non-ionic alkanolamide surfactant; the EC/EINECS number is 271-657-0.

Synonyms: Cocamide DEA; amides coco N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl); N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)cocoamide; coconut fatty acid diethanolamide; CDEA.

CAS: 68603-42-9.

Molecular formula: RCON(CH₂CH₂OH)₂.

It is made by reacting coconut fatty acids with diethanolamine; the EC number is 271-657-0.

EC number: 271-657-0.

It is a pale-yellow to yellow viscous liquid with a mild characteristic odor, dispersible or soluble in water.

Active amide content is ≥85% w/w; moisture ≤0.5%, free amine ≤5.0% and glycerol ≤10.0%.

A 1% aqueous solution at 25 °C has a pH of 9.0–11.0; density at 25 °C is about 1.00–1.05 g/cm³.

It is used as a foam booster, thickener and stabilizer in shampoos, hand soaps and body washes.

It is used in dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents and industrial cleaners, normally with anionic surfactants.

It produces denser, longer-lasting foam and increases viscosity; the effect depends on grade and surfactant ratio.

Free diethanolamine is a key quality and safety parameter, affecting nitrosamine formation potential.

Confirm grade, active amide, free amine, moisture, glycerol, pH, color and viscosity; specify the desired application.

Store in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers and temperature extremes.

Confirm packaging with the requested quantity and destination requirements.

Document requirements should be confirmed from the current specification, SDS, COA or other product-specific files.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended use, required grade, quantity, packaging, destination and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Coconut Diethanolamide?

A: Coconut Diethanolamide, CAS 68603-42-9, is a nonionic alkanolamide surfactant made by reacting coconut fatty acids with diethanolamine. It is also called Cocamide DEA, CDEA or 6501 and is used as a foam booster, thickener and stabilizer.
Q:
What is CDEA used for?

A: CDEA is used in shampoos, hand soaps, body washes, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents and industrial cleaners. It is normally combined with anionic surfactants to improve foam, stabilize lather and build viscosity.
Q:
How does CDEA improve foam and viscosity in surfactant systems?

A: CDEA interacts with primary anionic surfactants to produce denser, longer-lasting foam and increases formulation viscosity. The thickening effect depends on the CDEA grade, surfactant type and the ratio of coconut fatty acid to diethanolamine used during manufacture.
Q:
Is Coconut Diethanolamide suitable for cold-process clear formulations?

A: Yes, CDEA is commonly used in cold-process surfactant systems. Heating or pre-mixing may still be helpful when the grade is viscous, but it generally supports clear, stable formulations with good foam.
Q:
Why is free diethanolamine content important?

A: Free diethanolamine is a key quality and safety parameter for CDEA because residual secondary amine can contribute to nitrosamine formation potential. Commercial 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2 grades have different amide and free-amine profiles, so the supplier should state the grade and limits clearly.
Q:
How should Coconut Diethanolamide be stored and handled?

A: Store in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers and temperature extremes. Use liquid-chemical handling controls and suitable PPE, and follow the safety information.

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