Benzyltrimethylammonium chloride

Benzyltrimethylammonium chloride (CAS 56-93-9), commonly abbreviated as TMBAC, is a quaternary ammonium salt supplied as a white to light yellow crystalline powder or chunks. It carries no assigned E-code and is also referenced under the name Benzyltrimethylammoniumchlorid in European trade documentation.

In pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis, TMBAC functions as a phase-transfer catalyst, accelerating reactions between reagents in immiscible solvent systems by shuttling anions across the phase boundary. It also acts as a preservation agent in personal care formulations, disrupting microbial cell membranes through electrostatic interaction with negatively charged phospholipid bilayers.

TMBAC is available in technical and pharmaceutical-grade forms and falls under REACH registration obligations for EU importers and manufacturers. It is classified under HS code 29239000 for customs purposes. Packaging formats typically include fiber drums and polyethylene-lined bags, with documentation available to support GMP-compliant procurement processes.