Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise focused on industry of fine chemicals research and develop, produce and sale. Shandong Huashang Chemical Co., Ltd. is located in Shan Dong Ji Nan China. we have the ability to provide you high quality products. More than 90 % of our products are exported to developed countries and regions such as north America, Europe, Japan, South Korea and the Middle East.
Benzalkonium chloride
1. Basic Information
Name: Benzalkonium chloride
Alias: Alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride, BKC
CAS No.: 8001-54-5
Molecular Formula: C6H5CH2N(CH3)2RCl (R=C8H17~C18H37 mixed alkyl, typical single component C12H25C6H5CH2N(CH3)2Cl, C21H38Cl1N1)
Molecular Weight: Mixture, main component C21H38ClN = 340.99
Category: Quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant, broad-spectrum bactericide, disinfectant raw material
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Properties
- Appearance: White/yellowish waxy solid or 50% clear aqueous liquid
- Odor: Slight aromatic odor, bitter taste
- Solubility: Freely soluble in water, ethanol, isopropanol; slightly soluble in acetone; insoluble in mineral oil, aliphatic solvents
- Melting range: 40–50 ℃ (solid type)
- Hygroscopy: Strongly hygroscopic, absorbs moisture rapidly in air
- Aqueous property: Aqueous solution weakly alkaline, stable at pH 4–10, foaming obvious
Chemical Properties
- Molecular structure: Benzyl dimethyl alkyl quaternary ammonium chloride mixture with different alkyl carbon chain lengths
- Sterilization mechanism: Cationic group adsorbs bacterial cell membrane, destroys permeability to kill bacteria/fungi/inactivate partial viruses
- Surfactant property: Cationic surface active agent, incompatible with anionic surfactants (produces precipitate and loses efficacy)
- Thermal stability: Stable below 100 ℃; long-time boiling will slightly decompose and reduce bactericidal activity
- Photostability: Stable under normal light, long-term intense UV irradiation turns pale yellow
- Compatibility: Compatible with nonionic/amphoteric surfactants; incompatible with soap, anionic detergents, iodide, strong oxidants
3. Main Application Fields
1. Disinfection & Sterilization (Core Application)
Hand sanitizer, medical surface disinfectant, oral care antibacterial additive, swimming pool water bactericide, food processing equipment sanitizer
2. Daily Chemical Preservative
Shampoo, facial cleanser, lotion, wet wipe antibacterial preservative
3. Industrial Water Treatment
Circulating cooling water algae inhibitor, pipeline anti-slime agent
4. Other Uses
- Textile softener, antistatic finishing agent
- Wood, leather anti-mold agent
- Eye drop pharmaceutical preservative (low concentration purified grade)
4. Quality Specification Table
| Test Item | Standard Specification |
| CAS Number | 8001-54-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C21H38Cl1N1 (main component) |
| Appearance | Pale yellow clear liquid or off-white waxy solid |
| Active matter content | Liquid grade 49.0%–51.0%; solid grade ≥95.0% |
| pH (10% aqueous solution) | 6.0–9.0 |
| Water insoluble matter | ≤0.1% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm (cosmetic/pharma grade) |
| Packaging | 200L PE plastic drum / vacuum aluminum foil bag for solid |
| Storage Condition | Hermetically sealed cool warehouse below 25 ℃, separate from anionic products, avoid direct sunlight |
| Transportation Requirement | Hygroscopic corrosive cationic disinfectant, sealed packaging, isolate anionic chemicals |
| Shelf Life | 24 months sealed storage |
Safety Warning
Corrosive irritant cationic disinfectant. Concentrated liquid severely irritates eyes, skin and respiratory tract; high-dose ingestion causes nausea, vomiting and mucosal erosion. All operations require ventilation, wear nitrile gloves and splash-proof goggles. Strictly avoid mixing with soap, laundry detergent and anionic products to prevent inactivation and precipitation. Waste water diluted and neutralized before discharge; residual liquid classified as hazardous disinfectant waste disposed by licensed institutions.
