Benzlkonium Chloride ( Bkc 80)

CAS Number:

8001-54-5

Chem/IUPAC Name: 

Benzalkonium chloride (BKC, BAC)

Common Product Code:

 BC80

Molecular Formula:

C17H30ClN (for the C12 alkyl chain, a major component)

Molecular Weight:

~283.88 g/mol (for C17H30ClN)

Common Synonyms:

Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (ADBAC). BKC 80%

Uses:

Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) is a cationic surfactant belonging to the quaternary ammonium compound family. The "80%" denotes a concentrated aqueous solution containing 80% active quaternary ammonium compounds by weight. It is a powerful, broad-spectrum biocide and disinfectant known for its rapid action and residual antimicrobial effect on surfaces.

Key Industries & Applications:

· Disinfection & Sanitization: Active ingredient in hospital-grade disinfectants, surface cleaners, hand sanitizers (as an alternative to alcohol), and wound sprays.

· Water Treatment: Used as an algaecide and bactericide in industrial cooling water systems.

· Personal Care & Pharmaceuticals: Preservative in eye drops, nasal sprays, shampoos, wet wipes, and cosmetics at very low concentrations (typically 0.004%-0.1%).

· Industrial Processes: Used as an emulsifier, antistatic agent, and phase-transfer catalyst in various chemical syntheses.

Origin:

It is a semi-synthetic organic salt. Industrially, it is produced by the reaction of alkyl dimethyl amines (with even-numbered carbon chains, typically C8-C18) with benzyl chloride. The commercial 80% solution is a viscous liquid often modified with alcohols or glycols to maintain fluidity.

What does Benzalkonium Chloride 80% do in a formulation?

Primary Functions in a Formulation:

• Antimicrobial Agent / Biocide: Its core function. Disrupts microbial cell membranes, leading to cell death.
• Preservative: Prevents microbial growth in aqueous products.
• Cationic Surfactant: Provides cleaning, emulsifying, and antistatic properties.
• Phase Transfer Agent: Facilitates reactions between chemicals in different phases in industrial synthesis.

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Danger. Concentrated solutions (like 80%) are highly toxic, corrosive, and can be fatal if ingested.

· Irritation & Sensitization: A severe skin and eye irritant. Can cause allergic contact dermatitis with repeated exposure.

· Key Considerations:

  · Never use the concentrated solution directly on skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. It is for dilution only.

  · A maximum concentration of 0.1% is generally considered non-irritating to intact skin.

  · Contraindicated in certain medical products like solutions for hydrophilic contact lenses.

  · Environmental Hazard: Toxic to aquatic life.

Technical profile:

Key Incompatibilities:

Reacts with anionic surfactants (soaps), aluminum, citrates, nitrates, and proteins. Incompatible with certain plastics and rubber.