Benzalkonium chloride is a cationic surfactant and non-oxidizing fungicide known for its broad-spectrum and high-efficiency bactericidal and algicidal properties. It effectively controls bacterial and algal growth and slime formation in water, offering strong slime removal, as well as dispersion and penetration effects. Additionally, it provides degreasing, deodorizing, and corrosion-inhibiting benefits. With low toxicity, no cumulative effects, and easy solubility in water, it is not impacted by water hardness. This makes it widely used in circulating cooling water systems across industries such as petroleum, chemicals, power, and textiles to manage bacterial and algal growth, particularly sulfate-reducing bacteria. Benzalkonium chloride is also employed as a bactericide, mildew-proof agent, softener, antistatic agent, emulsifier, and conditioner in the textile industry, as well as a preservative and fungicide for wet wipes.
Benzalkonium Chloride Chemical Properties
| 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) |
| Form | Semisolid |
| Color | 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 |
Benzalkonium chloride, also known as dimethylbenzylalkylammonium chloride, is a cationic surfactant and non-oxidizing bactericide with broad-spectrum, high-efficiency bactericidal and algicidal properties. It effectively controls the growth of algae and slime in water, providing strong slime removal as well as dispersion and penetration effects. Additionally, it offers degreasing, deodorizing, and corrosion-inhibiting benefits.
Currently, benzalkonium chloride is widely used in disinfecting factory circulating cooling water, power plant water, paper mills, oil field injection systems, and medical equipment. It is also applied for sanitary disinfection in swimming pools, laundries, and public spaces, as well as for cleaning food industry equipment. Furthermore, it serves as a leveling agent, bactericidal and mildew-proof agent, softener, antistatic agent, emulsifier, and conditioner in the textile printing and dyeing industry.
