Benzalkonium chloride

Benzalkonium chloride (CAS 8001-54-5), commonly abbreviated as BAC, is a quaternary ammonium compound used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, surfactant, and preservative across industrial and consumer applications. It delivers reliable biocidal activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses at low use concentrations. Procurement teams source it as a primary active ingredient in disinfection and surface treatment formulations.

In pharmaceuticals and personal care, BAC functions as a preservative in eye drops, nasal sprays, and topical antiseptics. Consistent purity and low irritation profiles are critical to formulation approval. Disinfectant and hard-surface cleaner manufacturers use it as the active biocidal agent in hospital-grade and institutional cleaning products. Water treatment operations apply it to control microbial growth.

In textile and leather processing, it acts as a softening and antimicrobial finishing agent applied during wet processing stages. This ensures long-term protection against degradation and microbial odors. Benzalkonium chloride is supplied as an aqueous solution, most commonly at 50% and 80% active concentrations. The 50% grade remains the standard for most formulation work across various industries.

Pharmaceutical and personal care grades are available to USP, BP, and Ph. Eur. specifications. Technical-grade material is supplied for industrial cleaning and water treatment applications.