Benzalkonium Chloride, Benzyl Lauryl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dodecyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, ADBAC, BKC, BAC, QACs, 63449-41-2, 139-07-1, 8001-54-5

Benzalkonium Chloride, Benzyl Lauryl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Dodecyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, ADBAC, BKC, BAC, QACs, 63449-41-2, 139-07-1, 8001-54-5

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE (BKC / BAC)

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTITY AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

SECTION 2: TYPES AND GRADES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

General Structure:

    R — N⁺ — CH₃  •  Cl⁻
         |
        CH₂
         |
        C₆H₅

    R = C₈H₁₇ to C₁₈H₃₇ (alkyl chain)
    (C8: Capryl, C10: Capric, C12: Lauryl, C14: Myristyl, C16: Cetyl)

Typical Alkyl Chain Distribution (CAS 63449-41-2):

• C8 (Capryl): 5-15%

• C10 (Capric): 5-15%

• C12 (Lauryl): 40-70%

• C14 (Myristyl): 15-30%

• C16 (Cetyl): 1-10%

SECTION 4: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 5: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 6: ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Mechanism of Action:

• Adsorbs to negatively charged microbial cell surfaces

• Disrupts cell membrane integrity

• Leakage of cellular contents

• Denaturation of cellular proteins

• Cell death

SECTION 7: APPLICATIONS (DISINFECTION AND SANITIZATION)

SECTION 8: APPLICATIONS (PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL)

SECTION 9: APPLICATIONS (FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY)

SECTION 10: APPLICATIONS (WATER TREATMENT)

SECTION 11: APPLICATIONS (AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY)

SECTION 12: APPLICATIONS (INDUSTRIAL)

SECTION 13: APPLICATIONS (PHASE TRANSFER CATALYSIS)

SECTION 14: TYPICAL FORMULATION CONCENTRATIONS

SECTION 15: COMPATIBILITY

SECTION 16: STORAGE AND HANDLING

Storage Notes:

• Store above -5°C to prevent separation

• Solutions may become cloudy or crystallize at low temperatures; warm to 20-30°C with gentle stirring

• Keep containers tightly closed to prevent contamination

SECTION 17: SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

GHS Classification (CLP)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes)

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes)

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 18: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

SECTION 19: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 20: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 21: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

SECTION 22: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

SECTION 23: TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

SECTION 24: REGULATORY INFORMATION

Maximum Allowed Concentrations:

• Cosmetics (EU): 0.1% as preservative

• Eye Drops (FDA/EU): 0.004 – 0.02%

• Food Contact Sanitizer (USDA): 100-200 ppm (no rinse required at 200 ppm)

SECTION 25: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Database Identifiers:

• CAS (mixed): 63449-41-2

• CAS (pure C12): 139-07-1

• CAS (historical): 8001-54-5

• EC: 264-151-6

• MDL: MFCD00043369

• PubChem CID: 2884 (for C12)

• RTECS: BO3151000

SECTION 26: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 27: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. CORROSIVE: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314/H318). Avoid skin and eye contact. Use appropriate PPE.

2. AQUATIC TOXICITY: Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H400/H410). Do not discharge into water bodies.

3. HARMFUL: Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin (H302/H312). Avoid ingestion and skin contact.

4. INCOMPATIBILITY WITH ANIONICS: DO NOT MIX with anionic surfactants (soaps, SLS, SLES) – forms inactive precipitate.

5. ORGANIC MATTER: Organic matter (blood, serum, soil, protein residues) significantly reduces antimicrobial activity. Pre-cleaning is recommended.

6. COTTON ADSORPTION: Adsorbs strongly to cotton and other cellulosic materials. Use non-ionic or cationic fabrics for application.

7. PHARMACEUTICAL CONCENTRATION: In ophthalmic preparations, concentrations are typically 0.004-0.02% (40-200 ppm). Higher concentrations may cause irritation.

8. COSMETIC REGULATION: In the EU, benzalkonium chloride is permitted as a preservative at maximum 0.1% (1000 ppm) in cosmetics.

9. RESISTANCE CONCERNS: Prolonged use may lead to microbial resistance. Rotation with other biocidal agents is recommended for long-term applications.

10. ALLERGIC REACTIONS: May cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially with repeated exposure.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Formulation: Use non-ionic surfactants for compatibility. Avoid anionic surfactants to prevent precipitation.

2. Dilution: Dilute with deionized or soft water to maintain efficacy. Hard water tolerance is good (up to 400 ppm CaCO₃).

3. pH Control: Maintain pH between 6.0-8.0 for optimal antimicrobial activity. Avoid extreme pH conditions.

4. Temperature: Store above -5°C to prevent separation. If crystallization occurs, warm to 20-30°C with gentle stirring.

5. Concentration: Use appropriate concentration based on application.

6. Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber – avoid latex), safety goggles, protective clothing.

7. Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.

8. Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool (5-30°C), dry, well-ventilated area. Protect from direct sunlight.

9. Spill Management: Contain spill, absorb with inert material (sand, vermiculite). Do not allow to enter sewers or water bodies. Collect in suitable sealed containers.

10. Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional and national regulations. Hazardous waste (environmental hazard). Use authorized disposal facilities.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or guarantee. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications and for complying with all local, regional, and national regulations. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Benzalkonium Chloride is a powerful biocide and corrosive substance; use with appropriate precautions and avoid contact with skin, eyes, and anionic surfactants.