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.
White to light yellow liquid
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.
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) can be used as:
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A cationic surfactant in chemical polymerization reactions.
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A phase-transfer catalyst for the quantitative determination of sulfide in the whole blood sample by extractive alkylation technique using GC-MS.
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.
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.
Colorless or yellowish powder or gummy amber solid. Aromatic odor. Very bitter taste.
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE is incompatible with anionic detergents and nitrates.
Flash point data for BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE are not available, but BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE is probably combustible.
