Benzalkonium chloride

Product Details

CasNo： 8001-54-5

MF： C17​H30​ClN

Appearance： liquid

Delivery Time： 15 days

Packing： 200kg/drum

Purity： 99%

1. Basic Information

1.1 Chemical Name and Synonyms

• Chemical Name: Benzalkonium Chloride. It is a collective term for a class of cationic surfactants composed of a benzyl group, two methyl groups, and an alkyl chain of varying lengths attached to a quaternary ammonium nitrogen atom, with a chloride counter - ion.
• Synonyms: Also known as BZK, BKC, Bac, Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride (ADBAC), and Cetalkonium Chloride in some contexts. The name reflects its chemical structure, where the benzyl group and dimethyl - substituted ammonium moiety are key features.

1.2 Molecular Information

• Molecular Formula: The general formula is Cn​H2n+1​CH2​(C6​H5​)N(CH3​)2​Cl. A common representation, considering a typical alkyl chain length, is C17​H30​ClN. However, commercial Benzalkonium Chloride is often a mixture of homologs with different alkyl chain lengths (usually ranging from C8 - C18), which slightly affects the overall formula.
• Molecular Weight: Approximately 283.88 when calculated based on C17​H30​ClN. For the actual product with a mixture of components, the average molecular weight will be adjusted according to the proportion of each homolog.
• CAS Number: 8001 - 54 - 5. This unique identifier is crucial for accurately identifying Benzalkonium Chloride in chemical databases, regulatory documents, and scientific research worldwide. It enables clear differentiation from other chemical substances, ensuring consistency in communication and classification within the chemical industry.

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

2.1 Appearance

• In liquid form, Benzalkonium Chloride typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid. The color can be influenced by factors such as the purity of the product and the specific composition of the alkyl chain mixture. Higher - purity products tend to be closer to colorless, while impurities or a higher proportion of certain homologs may lead to a slightly yellowish tint. In solid form (such as high - purity or powdered products), it presents as a white to off - white powder or flakes.

2.2 Odor and Taste

• It has a faint almond - like odor, especially in concentrated solutions. As the solution is diluted, the odor becomes less noticeable. In saturated solutions, it exhibits a bitter taste.

2.3 Melting and Boiling Points

• The melting point is approximately - 5°C for the liquid - form product under normal conditions. Due to its nature as a mixture of compounds with different alkyl chain lengths, there is no distinct sharp boiling point. Generally, it boils at a temperature above 100°C/760 mmHg. The boiling process is more complex because different homologs have different boiling points, and the product may decompose or undergo chemical changes at high temperatures.

2.4 Density

• The density of Benzalkonium Chloride liquid is around 0.98 g/mL at 25°C. This value may vary slightly depending on the exact composition of the alkyl chain mixture and the concentration of active ingredients. For example, products with a higher proportion of longer - chain alkyl groups may have a slightly different density compared to those with shorter - chain dominant compositions.

2.5 Solubility

• It is highly soluble in water, readily forming clear solutions. This solubility in water is due to the hydrophilic nature of the quaternary ammonium head group. It is also miscible in polar organic solvents such as ethanol (96%), methanol, and propanol in all ratios. However, it is immiscible with non - polar solvents like benzene and ether because the non - polar alkyl chains and the polar head group do not interact favorably with non - polar solvents.

2.6 pH - related Property

• In a 10g/L aqueous solution at 20°C, the pH value ranges from 6 to 8. This near - neutral pH makes it suitable for a wide range of applications where a relatively neutral environment is required. For instance, in personal care products like shampoos and body washes, as well as in some medical applications such as wound cleansers, a neutral pH helps to minimize irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.

2.7 Stability

• Benzalkonium Chloride is stable under normal storage conditions. It is heat - resistant to a certain extent, light - resistant, and non - volatile. When stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong oxidizing or reducing agents, it can maintain its chemical structure and properties for an extended period. However, in the presence of strong oxidizing agents (such as potassium permanganate) or reducing agents (such as sodium borohydride), it may undergo chemical reactions that can alter its properties.

3. Product Characteristics

3.1 Antimicrobial Activity

• Benzalkonium Chloride is a potent antimicrobial agent with a broad - spectrum antibacterial effect. It is effective against both Gram - positive and Gram - negative bacteria. For example, it can inactivate Escherichia coli (a Gram - negative bacterium) and Staphylococcus aureus (a Gram - positive bacterium) at low concentrations. The mechanism of action involves disrupting the cell membrane of microorganisms. The cationic quaternary ammonium group of Benzalkonium Chloride is attracted to the negatively charged components on the surface of the bacterial cell membrane, causing damage to the membrane structure, leakage of intracellular components, and ultimately cell death.
• It also shows antifungal activity against common fungi like Candida albicans. In addition, it has some algicidal effects, making it useful in water treatment applications to control the growth of algae. For example, in swimming pool water treatment, Benzalkonium Chloride can prevent the over - growth of algae, which not only affects the aesthetics of the pool but also can cause slippery surfaces and potential health hazards.

3.2 Surfactant Properties

• As a cationic surfactant, Benzalkonium Chloride has excellent emulsifying, foaming, and wetting properties. It can significantly reduce the surface tension between oil and water phases. In emulsion systems, such as in some cosmetic creams or pharmaceutical emulsions, it adsorbs at the oil - water interface, with the hydrophobic alkyl chains facing the oil phase and the hydrophilic quaternary ammonium head groups facing the water phase. This arrangement stabilizes the emulsion by preventing the oil droplets from coalescing.
• In detergent formulations, it plays a crucial role in removing oil - based stains. The emulsifying property allows it to surround and break down oil droplets, making them easier to be washed away with water. Its foaming property can enhance the cleaning effect by increasing the contact time between the detergent and the surface to be cleaned. For example, in liquid hand soaps, the rich foam generated by Benzalkonium Chloride helps to spread the cleaning ingredients evenly on the hands.
• The wetting property of Benzalkonium Chloride enables it to lower the surface tension of water, allowing the liquid to spread more easily on various surfaces. This is beneficial in applications such as disinfecting hard surfaces, as it ensures better coverage and contact with the surface to be disinfected.

3.3 Other Characteristics

• It has low toxicity and no significant accumulation toxicity in the environment. This makes it a relatively safe choice for many applications, especially in consumer products. However, like any chemical, it should be used and handled with appropriate care. It is also compatible with many other substances, which allows for easy formulation in various products. For example, in personal care products, it can be combined with other surfactants, preservatives, and active ingredients without causing adverse reactions.

4. Preparation Method

• Benzalkonium Chloride is typically synthesized through the reaction of a long - chain alkyl dimethyl amine with benzyl chloride. The reaction is usually carried out in an appropriate solvent, such as ethanol or water - ethanol mixtures, under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. A catalyst may be used to accelerate the reaction rate.
• For example, dodecyl dimethyl amine reacts with benzyl chloride to form dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, which is one of the components of Benzalkonium Chloride. The reaction can be represented as follows: (C12​H25​)N(CH3​)2​+C7​H7​Cl→(C12​H25​)CH2​(C6​H5​)N(CH3​)2​Cl
• After the reaction, the product may undergo purification steps such as distillation, extraction, or filtration to remove unreacted starting materials, by - products, and impurities. The resulting Benzalkonium Chloride can be further processed into different forms, such as liquid solutions with specific concentrations or solid powders through evaporation and drying processes.

5. Application Fields

5.1 Healthcare and Personal Care

• Skin and Wound Disinfection: Benzalkonium Chloride is widely used in skin disinfectants. It can be formulated into products such as hand sanitizers, wound sprays, and antiseptic wipes. In hand sanitizers, it effectively kills bacteria and viruses on the hands, providing a convenient way to maintain hand hygiene, especially in situations where soap and water are not readily available. For wound disinfection, it helps to prevent infection by killing microorganisms that may come into contact with the wound. For example, it is used in some over - the - counter first - aid products to safely treat childhood scrapes and cuts.
• Eye and Nasal Products: It is used as a preservative in ophthalmic and nasal preparations, such as eye drops and nasal sprays. In eye drops, it helps to prevent the growth of microorganisms in the multi - dose containers, ensuring the sterility and safety of the product during its shelf - life. However, the concentration used in these products is carefully controlled to minimize potential irritation to the sensitive tissues of the eyes and nose.

5.2 Household and Cleaning

• Surface Disinfectants: In household cleaners, Benzalkonium Chloride is used as a disinfectant for floors, countertops, and other hard surfaces. It can effectively kill a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, providing a clean and hygienic living environment. For example, in some all - purpose cleaners, it is included to not only clean dirt and grime but also disinfect the surface. It is also used in air and surface sprayable disinfectants, which are convenient for quickly disinfecting large areas or objects in the home.
• Laundry Detergents: Some laundry detergents may contain Benzalkonium Chloride to provide antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can help to kill bacteria and fungi on clothes, especially in situations where clothes may be prone to odor - causing microorganisms, such as in sweaty sports wear or in humid environments.

5.3 Industrial Applications

• Water Treatment: In industrial water systems, such as cooling towers, industrial boilers, and swimming pools, Benzalkonium Chloride is used as a biocide. It can control the growth of bacteria, algae, and slime - forming organisms. By preventing the formation of biofilms and the growth of algae, it helps to maintain the efficiency of the water system, reduce corrosion, and prevent blockages in pipes and heat exchangers.
• Textile and Leather Industry: In the textile industry, it is used as a fungicide, softener, anti - static agent, and emulsifier. As a fungicide, it protects textiles from mold and mildew growth during storage and use. The softening property makes fabrics feel smoother and more comfortable. The anti - static property reduces static electricity build - up in fabrics, which can be a problem during manufacturing processes and in the use of synthetic fabrics. In the leather industry, it may be used in leather finishing processes to improve the appearance and durability of leather products.

6. Recommended Dosage

• The recommended dosage of Benzalkonium Chloride varies depending on the application. In general, for disinfection purposes in household and healthcare settings, a concentration of 0.01% - 0.1% is often used. For example, in a hand sanitizer formulation, a concentration of around 0.1% may be effective in killing a significant number of microorganisms.
• In industrial water treatment, the dosage can range from 10 - 100 ppm (parts per million). The exact dosage is determined by factors such as the type and concentration of microorganisms in the water, the water quality, and the specific requirements of the water system. For textile applications, the dosage as a softener or anti - static agent may be around 0.5% - 2% based on the weight of the fabric.

7. Packaging and Storage

7.1 Packaging

• Benzalkonium Chloride is commonly packaged in a variety of containers. Liquid forms are often packaged in 200 - kg plastic drums, which are suitable for industrial and large - scale users. For smaller - scale applications, such as in the healthcare and personal care industries, it may be packaged in smaller plastic bottles, such as 1 - L or 5 - L containers. In some cases, it is also available in IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) tanks, which can hold up to 1000 kg of the product, providing a more convenient option for large - volume users.
• Solid forms, such as high - purity powders, are usually packaged in 25 - kg cardboard drums or multi - layer paper bags with inner plastic liners to prevent moisture absorption and maintain product quality.

7.2 Storage

• It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The storage temperature should be preferably below 30°C. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the product to degrade or lose its effectiveness. It should also be stored away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkalis, as these substances can react with Benzalkonium Chloride and cause chemical changes. Under proper storage conditions, the shelf - life of Benzalkonium Chloride is typically around 2 years for liquid products and may be slightly longer for solid products, but it is advisable to check the product's quality periodically, especially if it has been stored for an extended period.