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 help control bacterial growth, algae, and slime formation in water systems.
Product Characteristics
Benzalkonium Chloride is water-soluble and offers versatile formulation properties. Its performance under different water-hardness conditions, as well as any degreasing, deodorizing, or corrosion-inhibition effects, should be confirmed through product-specific testing. Toxicity, skin and eye irritation, and environmental safety depend on the concentration and formulation; handling should follow the relevant safety data sheet.
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) |
| Fcolor | 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 (BAC), 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 suitable formulations to help control bacterial growth, algae, and slime formation in water systems.
Industrial Water Treatment
Benzalkonium Chloride is used in industrial circulating cooling water systems, power generation facilities, paper mills, and selected oilfield water injection systems to help 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
Appropriately formulated benzalkonium chloride products are used in certain hard-surface disinfectants and sanitation applications for industrial and institutional environments. Applications involving medical equipment, swimming pools, or food-processing equipment must comply with product-specific efficacy requirements, use instructions, and applicable regulatory approvals.
Textile Printing and Dyeing
In textile processing, selected benzalkonium chloride formulations may be used as leveling agents, antimicrobial or mildew-control agents, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, emulsifiers, and conditioning agents. Their suitability depends on the specific formulation and processing requirements.
Additional Functional Properties
Depending on the formulation, Benzalkonium Chloride may provide deodorizing and other functional benefits. Claims relating to degreasing, corrosion inhibition, or enhanced slime removal should be supported by product-specific performance data. Product handling and application should follow the relevant safety data sheet and local regulations.
