Benzalkonium Chloride

Molecular Formula: C21H38NCl

Molecular Weight: 340 grams/mol

CAS Number: 63449-41-2 or 8001-54-5 or 139-07-1

Chemical Name: Dodecyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride

Benzalkonium Chloride

Benzalkonium chloride, a chemical compound that plays a very important role in fighting bacteria, has antiseptic properties in disinfectants, mouth and throat wounds, etc. Benzalkonium chloride, which is also frequently encountered in hospitals, also plays a major role in sterilizing surgical materials and instruments. In addition, if we look at its general properties, we will start by answering the question of what is benzalkonium chloride.

Benzalkonium chloride, an organic compound, has these properties in general. Of course, in addition to this, it is in the quaternary ammonium class of surface active agents that do not have oxidizing properties and are related to biocides. Benzalkonium chloride, which is frequently and widely used in the disinfectant sector, is especially found in animal husbandry and personal hygiene products. Even when used at low rates, they have great effects against fungi, membrane viruses and algae formed in the environment. Another advantage of benzalkonium chloride is that they are not affected by the hardness of the water in any way. Since it is an organic compound, there are many names for benzalkonium chloride.

Benzalkonium Chloride Chemical and Physical Properties

The physical appearance of the benzalkonium chloride compound is pale straw colored. When looked at, we see both a clean and slightly hazy appearance. Its smell is very difficult to clearly detect and distinguish, and we can say that it has a smell close to a light almond smell. Its density is between 0.96 and 1 gram/milliliter. When put in water, it can be dissolved in any ratio and even difficult compounds such as methanol and acetone can be mixed. Of course, this is achieved by being in the same format. When the pH value of benzalkonium chloride is examined, we see an average value of 7.5, which is close to neutral and provides a very, very slightly basic feature. It is used in liquid form and has more or less similar properties to water, boiling at 100 degrees and freezing at -5 degrees. In addition, although it has not been clearly seen, it is thought to be flammable, so careful use is extremely important.

What are the Effects of Benzalkonium Chloride on Human Health?

Benzalkonium chloride, which is a chemical that is harmful to the environment, is a compound that should be rinsed immediately in case of contact with the eyes, as with every chemical. It is also recommended not to release it into the environment because it can have harmful effects. During use, food and drinks should never be eaten or drunk, which carries a great risk. There will be problems such as the risk of benzalkonium chloride getting into food and drinks, as well as the problem of direct consumption by getting into food and drinks. And finally, it is very harmful especially for aquatic creatures and the aquatic environment.

What are the Uses of Benzalkonium Chloride?

After answering questions such as what is benzalkonium chloride and what are the effects of benzalkonium chloride, now let's answer questions such as where is benzalkonium chloride used or in which sectors is benzalkonium chloride used. Let's see what are the areas of use of benzalkonium chloride...

Benzalkonium chloride is generally used in many sectors. We see disinfectants at the top of its usage areas. With its micro-killing feature, it is used in every sector that concerns people, such as personal care, animal husbandry and food and dairy products, with its microbe-killing feature. When the contents of disinfectants are examined, we definitely come across the benzalkonium chloride compound. The next purpose of use is to eliminate or stop corrosion in pipes used during the transfer of petroleum gases. Its use in food and beverages, its non-toxicity, its non-abrasiveness, and the fact that it does not leave any stains or marks make it suitable for use on every surface as a cleaning material. Benzalkonium chloride is generally used in these areas. In summary; milk production, aquaculture, pool cleaning products, chemical industry, coating industry, petroleum industry, etc.

Powerful Antibacterial Agent in Hand Sanitizers

Benzalkonium chloride, also used in the pulp and paper industry, provides slime control and odor management. Benzalkonium chloride, which is also used in the textile industry, is used both in the production and in the content of hand disinfectants. As understood during production, benzalkonium chloride, which helps a lot, provides the same germicidal effect and slightly alkalizing effect in disinfectants.