Benzalkonium chloride C12-16

Benzalkonium chloride C12-16 (CAS 68424-85-1) is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and surfactant across personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial cleaning markets. Its chain-length distribution determines its balance of biocidal potency and surface activity, making it a procurement-critical specification for formulators in various chemical sectors.

In pharmaceutical and personal care products, it functions as a preservative and antiseptic in eye drops, wound care solutions, hand sanitizers, and topical formulations for medical use. Industrial and institutional cleaning products rely on it as an active biocide in disinfectant concentrates, hard surface cleaners, and sanitizing wipes where residual antimicrobial action is required.

Water treatment programs use it to control microbial growth in cooling towers and process water systems. Personal care formulators also incorporate it as a conditioning surfactant in hair rinses. Benzalkonium chloride C12-16 is supplied as an aqueous solution, most commonly at 50% and 80% active concentrations. Both technical-grade and pharmaceutical-grade material are available for purchase.

Pharmaceutical supply conforms to USP, BP, and Ph. Eur. monographs to ensure high purity. Bulk quantities are typically offered in drums and IBC containers for global distribution.