Benzalkonium Chloride
- CID: 8476 (Note: Benzalkonium chloride is a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides, so PubChem has multiple related CIDs.)
- Chemical Formula: Variable, commonly C6H5CH2N(CH3)2R·Cl (where R = alkyl chain)
- Molecular Weight: Depends on alkyl chain length; typically around 340–360 g/mol
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Synonyms:
- BKC
- Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
- Quaternary ammonium compound
Chemical Structure
Benzalkonium chloride consists of a benzyl group attached to a quaternary ammonium center with varying alkyl chains, paired with a chloride ion.
Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow to brownish liquid or solid powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol |
| Melting Point | Variable (depends on alkyl chain) |
| Density | Approx. 1.01 g/cm³ (liquid) |
| pH (1% solution) | ~6–8 |
Biological Activities
- Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses
- Mode of Action: Disrupts microbial membranes leading to cell death
Safety
- Irritant to skin and eyes
- Toxic to aquatic life
- Handle with care; refer to safety data sheets (SDS)
PubChem Link
You can explore more detailed chemical data, 3D structure, safety info, and references here: