PURPOSE: To obtain a magnetic coating for magnetic tapes, with magnetic powder optimally dispersed in magnetic layer, having excellent electromagnetic transformation characteristics, free from blooming development, by applying, as a dispersant, an Nα-methylated derivative of N-acyl lysine.

CONSTITUTION: The objective magnetic coating can be obtained by (A) applying to a magnetic coating prepared by dispersing magnetic powder in a binder, (B) as a dispersant, at least one sort of an N-long chain acyl-Nα.Nα-dimethyl lysine (e.g., Nα.Nα-dimethyl-Nα-lauroyl lysine) or Nα-long chain acyl-Nα,Nα,Nα- trimethyl-Nα-stearoyl lysine of formula I or II (R is 7W19C hydrocarbon), respectively, or its salt.

EFFECT: Having better dispersibility and electromagnetic transformation characteristics such as sensitivity, frequency characteristics, etc.