Product Description
Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC) is a cationic surfactant and non-oxidizing antimicrobial agent belonging to the quaternary ammonium compound family. It exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is used in suitable formulations to control bacterial growth, algae, and slime formation.
Industrial Water Treatment
Benzalkonium Chloride is used in industrial circulating cooling water systems to help control microorganisms and biofilm formation. It is applicable in selected systems across the petroleum, chemical processing, power generation, and textile industries. Its effectiveness against sulfate-reducing bacteria and other microorganisms depends on the formulation, dosage, water chemistry, and operating conditions.
Functional Properties
Depending on the formulation and application, Benzalkonium Chloride may provide antimicrobial activity, wetting, penetration, dispersion, and deodorizing benefits. Claims relating to degreasing, corrosion inhibition, or performance under different water-hardness conditions should be verified for the specific product.
Product Parameters
| Melting point | -5°C |
| Boiling point | 100°C |
| Density | 0,989 g/cm3 |
| Vapor pressure | 130 mPa @ 20°C |
| Fp | >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
| Hazard Codes | C,N |
| Risk Statements | 21/22-34-50 |
| Safety Statements | 36/37/39-45-61-60-26 |
| RIDADR | UN 2923 8/PG 3 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| RTECS | BO3151000 |
| F | 3-9 |
| TSCA | Yes |
| HazardClass | 8 |
| PackingGroup | III |
| HS Code | 34021200 |
| Toxicity | LD50 oral in mouse: 150mg/kg |
Application Scenarios
Benzalkonium Chloride, also known as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, is a cationic surfactant and non-oxidizing antimicrobial agent belonging to the quaternary ammonium compound family. It exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is used in appropriate formulations to help control bacteria, algae, and slime formation.
Industrial Water Treatment
Benzalkonium Chloride is used in industrial circulating cooling water systems, power plant water systems, paper mills, and selected oilfield water injection systems to control microbial growth and biofilm formation. Depending on the formulation and operating conditions, it may also provide wetting, penetration, and dispersion benefits.
Disinfection and Sanitation
Suitable benzalkonium chloride formulations are used in certain hard-surface disinfectants and sanitation products for industrial and institutional environments. Applications involving swimming pools, medical equipment, or food-processing equipment must follow product-specific instructions, validated efficacy requirements, and applicable regulatory approvals.
Textile Printing and Dyeing
In textile processing, selected formulations may serve as leveling agents, antimicrobial or mildew-control agents, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, emulsifiers, and conditioning agents. Their suitability depends on the textile process, formulation compatibility, and required performance.
Additional Functional Properties
Depending on the product composition and application, Benzalkonium Chloride may provide wetting, emulsifying, deodorizing, and other formulation benefits. Claims relating to degreasing, corrosion inhibition, or slime removal should be supported by product-specific performance data.
