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.

Where is Benzalkonium chloride used?

• Disinfection and surface treatment: primary active ingredient
• Pharmaceuticals and personal care: preservative in eye drops, nasal sprays, and topical antiseptics
• Hospital-grade and institutional cleaning: active biocidal agent in disinfectants and hard-surface cleaners
• Water treatment: control of microbial growth
• Textile and leather processing: softening and antimicrobial finishing agent applied during wet processing stages
• It delivers biocidal activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses at low use concentrations.
• Swimming-pool algicide.
• Oil and gas pipelines: corrosion inhibition, emulsification, and sludge breaking for enhanced oil recovery.
• Aquaculture: general disinfection, parasite removal from fish, and elimination of infectious diseases in fish farms.
• Cellulose and paper industry: slime control and odor management.

Good to know: Consistent purity and low irritation profiles are critical to formulation approval.

Formulation notes

• Typical concentrations in eye drops are 0.004% to 0.01%.
• As a cationic surfactant, it may be incompatible with some anionic surfactants, so compatibility testing during formulation development is recommended.
• Simultaneous or successive use with anionic antiseptics should be avoided.

Typical specification

• 50% grade has an active content of 50.0 ± 1.0% as ADBAC.
• Alkyl distribution of C8-C16.
• 50% grade has a colour of ≤ 50 APHA.

Regulatory status

• For transport, classified as UN Class 6.1 with subsidiary risk 8 and packing group II.
• Approved as an active substance under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation for product types PT 1, PT 2, PT 3, and PT 4.
• Under EU CLP, labelled DANGER with pictograms for corrosive, exclamation mark and environmental hazard.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store in an area without drains or sewer access.

Frequently asked questions about Benzalkonium chloride

What is the free amine content of benzalkonium chloride 50%?

Benzalkonium chloride 50% has a free amine content of ≤ 1.5%.

What are the heavy metals limits for benzalkonium chloride 50%?

Benzalkonium chloride 50% has heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm.

Are there any compatibility concerns with soft contact lenses?

Contact with soft contact lenses should be avoided because benzalkonium chloride can cause discoloration of soft contact lenses.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.