Benzalkonium Chloride

Synonym(s):Alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride;Benzalkonium chloride solution

CAS NO.：63449-41-2
Empirical Formula: C17H30ClN
Molecular Weight: 283.88
MDL number: MFCD00050250
EINECS: 264-151-6
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2025-01-27 09:38:02

What is Benzalkonium Chloride ?

Description

Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), also known as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides, alkyl dimethyl (phenylmethyl) quaternary ammonium chlorides, ammonium alkyl dimethyl (phenylmethyl) chlorides, or ammonium alkyl dimethyl benzyl chlorides, are a class of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs).They are usually commercialized as a mixture of compounds with different lengths for the alkyl chain, ranging from C8 to C18, with higher biocide activity for C12 and C14 derivatives.

Chemical properties

White to light yellow liquid

History

Benzalkonium chlorides were reported for the first time in 1935 by Gerhard Domagk, gaining the market as zephiran chlorides, and were marketed as promising and superior disinfectant and antiseptics (2). In 1947, the first product containing BACs was registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States.

The Uses of Benzalkonium Chloride

Benzalkonium chloride has been used in a study to assess its action on epithelia conjunctival cells in vitro. It has also been used in a study to investigate its effects on living rabbit cornea by in vivo Tandem scanning confocal microscopy.

The Uses of Benzalkonium Chloride

Cationic surface active agentBenzalkonium chloride is used in textile dyeing, softeners, antistatic agents, emulsifiers and conditioner. It acts as a cationic detergent. It is also used as a preservative in pharmaceutical products like eye, ear and nasal drops and sprays. Further, it is an active ingredient in personal care products such as hand sanitizers, shampoos, deodorants and wet wipes. In addition to this, it is used in a study to assess its action on epithelia conjunctival cells in vitro.

The Uses of Benzalkonium Chloride

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) can be used as:

A cationic surfactant in chemical polymerization reactions.
A phase-transfer catalyst for the quantitative determination of sulfide in the whole blood sample by extractive alkylation technique using GC-MS.

What are the applications of Application

Benzalkonium chloride is a microbicide

General Description

Colorless or yellowish powder or gummy amber solid. Aromatic odor. Very bitter taste.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE is incompatible with anionic detergents and nitrates.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE are not available, but BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE is probably combustible.

Properties of Benzalkonium Chloride

Melting point:	-5°C
Boiling point:	100°C
Density	0,989 g/cm³
vapor pressure	130 mPa @ 20°C
Flash point:	>100°C
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	Chloroform (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly)
form	semisolid
color	Pale yellow
PH Range	6 - 9
Water Solubility	Miscible with water, methanol and acetone.
Merck	14,1059
BRN	4062599
Stability:	Hygroscopic
EPA Substance Registry System	C8-18-Alkydimethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides (63449-41-2)

Safety information for Benzalkonium Chloride

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Corrosion Corrosives GHS05 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07 Environment GHS09
GHS Hazard Statements	H314:Skin corrosion/irritation H400:Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard
Precautionary Statement Codes	P260:Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P273:Avoid release to the environment. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P301+P312:IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician IF you feel unwell. P303+P361+P353:IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.