Disodium coco-glucoside citrate is a chemical compound of plant origin obtained by esterification of coconut oil polyglucose fats with citric acid or alpha hydroxy acids, organic acids derived from plants, fruits. It can also be obtained from sugar.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• "Disodium" indicates the presence of two sodium atoms in the compound, often used to stabilize or neutralize a substance.
• "Coco-Glucoside" is a non-ionic surfactant obtained from the reaction between glucose (usually derived from corn) and coconut fatty acids. It's known for its gently cleansing properties and is often used in skincare and haircare products.
• "Citrate" refers to the salt or ester of citric acid. In this context, it acts as a conditioning agent or as a pH adjuster.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Coconut-derived glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant obtained from the condensation of glucosides present in coconut.
• Citric acid. A weak organic acid.
• Sodium hydroxide. A strong base.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process

• Preparation of raw materials. Both coconut-derived glucosides and citric acid need to be purified and readied for the reaction.
• Neutralization. Citric acid is neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form the sodium salt of citric acid.
• Reaction. The coconut-derived glucosides then react with the sodium salt of citric acid.
• Purification. The reacting mixture may undergo further purification steps to remove impurities.
• Drying. The product might be dried to remove any residual moisture and get the final product.

It occurs as a yellowish or amber liquid with a slight, characteristic odour, soluble in water.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Mixture of anionic surfactant with degreasing and mild cleansing action on the skin, good foaming agent, generally free of preservatives. Biodegradable.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. 

In Zein and RBC tests it showed a very low irritation potential with a score of H50/DI

Commercial Applications

Haircare products. Used in shampoos and conditioners due to its ability to gently cleanse hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

Skincare products. Found in cleansers, shower gels, and bubble baths owing to its mild, non-irritating cleansing properties.

Baby products. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for cleansing products intended for sensitive skin like that of infants.

Data sheet (1)

• CAS  151911-51-2
• UNII    
• EC Number   
• DSSTox Substance ID  
• IUPAC  D-Glucose, homopolymer, coco-alkyl ether, monoester with 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, disodium salt
• InChl=  
• InChl Key      
• SMILES   
• MDL number  
• PubChem Substance ID    
• ChEBI   

Synonyms:

• D-Glucose, homopolymer, coco-alkyl ether, monoester with 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic
• Eucarol AGE EC
• D-Glucopyranose, oligomeric, 6-(dihydrogen 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate), 1-(coco alkyl) ethers, sodium salts
• Unoside DCG

References______________________________________________________________________

(1) https://www.ritacorp.com/wp-content/uploads/MSDSs/lamberti/50109.pdf