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.
Uses
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.
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.
