Benzalkonium chloride

Benzalkonium chloride (CAS 68391-01-5), commonly abbreviated as BKC, is a quaternary ammonium compound functioning as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and surfactant.

Where is Benzalkonium chloride used?

• Pharmaceuticals and personal care: preservative in ophthalmic solutions, nasal sprays, skin antiseptics and leave-on cosmetic formulations requiring microbial control
• Industrial and institutional cleaning: active biocidal agent in disinfectant sprays, hard-surface sanitizers and hospital-grade cleaners
• Water treatment: controls algae, bacteria and biofilm in cooling towers and process water systems
• Agriculture: active ingredient in equipment sterilization and crop protection adjuvant formulations
• It delivers preservation, disinfection and surface-active performance in aqueous and formulated systems.

Commercial specifications

• 50% concentration is the most commercially traded form
• Also at 80% for higher active content with reduced freight volume
• Grades include USP, Ph. Eur. and technical