- Production:
- Benzalkonium chloride is synthesized through a chemical reaction between benzyl chloride and a tertiary amine, forming a quaternary ammonium salt. The resulting compound consists of alkyl-benzyl ammonium chlorides with varying alkyl chain lengths, typically C8–C18.
Applications:
- Antiseptics & Disinfectants: Used in skin cleansers, hand sanitizers, wound care products, and surface disinfectants.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care: Functions as a preservative in skincare products, shampoos, and contact lens solutions to prevent microbial growth.
- Veterinary Medicine: Found in animal wound cleansers and antiseptic sprays for livestock and pets.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Used in eye drops, nasal sprays, and throat lozenges as a preservative and antimicrobial agent.
Properties of Benzalkonium Chloride:
- Chemical Formula: C22H38ClN
- Molecular Weight: Variable (depends on alkyl chain composition)
- Physical State: Colorless to pale yellow liquid or solid
- Odor: Mild ammonia-like or odorless
- Solubility: Water-soluble
- Hazards: Can cause skin and eye irritation, and in high concentrations, may be toxic to aquatic life.