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 across multiple regulated industries. It delivers reliable preservation, disinfection, and surface-active performance in both aqueous and formulated systems. In pharmaceuticals and personal care, BKC is the preservative of choice.

It is used in ophthalmic solutions, nasal sprays, skin antiseptics, and leave-on cosmetic formulations requiring microbial control. Industrial and institutional cleaning products rely on it as the active biocidal agent. It is found in disinfectant sprays, hard-surface sanitizers, and hospital-grade cleaners. Water treatment operations use it to control algae, bacteria, and biofilm in cooling towers and process water systems.

In agriculture, it functions as an active ingredient in equipment sterilization and crop protection adjuvant formulations. Benzalkonium chloride is supplied as an aqueous solution for ease of handling. The 50% concentration is the most commercially traded form. It is also available at 80% for applications requiring higher active content with reduced freight volume for global shipping logistics.

Grades include USP, Ph. Eur., and technical, allowing procurement across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial end uses from a single source material for streamlined supply chains.