Benzododecinium chloride

Benzododecinium chloride (CAS 139-07-1), also identified commercially as BAC-C12 and Cequartyl A, is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a cationic surfactant and broad-spectrum biocide across industrial and consumer markets. It functions as both an antimicrobial preservative and an emulsification agent, making it relevant to formulators sourcing actives for preservation or surface-active performance in various chemical applications.

In water treatment, BAC-C12 controls microbial growth in cooling towers, industrial process water, and oilfield systems where biofilm formation is a persistent operational concern for facility managers. Pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturers incorporate it into topical antiseptic formulations, wound care products, and hard-surface disinfectants where regulatory-grade purity is a sourcing requirement for safety.

Personal care formulators use it in conditioning shampoos, skin sanitizers, and preservative systems where cationic activity also contributes to substantivity on hair and skin for improved product performance. It is also applied in industrial cleaning concentrates where combined surfactancy and biocidal action reduces the need for multiple active ingredients, streamlining the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

Benzododecinium chloride is supplied as an aqueous solution, typically at 50% active content, though other concentrations are available depending on specific application requirements and formulation needs. Technical and pharmaceutical grades are the most commonly sourced, with pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP or Ph. Eur. specifications for use in regulated formulations and medical products.