Benzalkonium Chloride
Quaternary Ammonium Biocide & Cationic Surfactant (BKC)
A versatile cationic surface-acting agent belonging to the quaternary ammonium group. BKC serves as a highly effective biocide, surfactant, and phase transfer agent across multiple industries, offering superior antimicrobial protection and surface activity.
Product Information
Download detailed technical specifications, application guidelines, and performance data for Benzalkonium Chloride.
Key Properties
- • Broad-spectrum biocide
- • Cationic surfactant activity
- • Phase transfer catalyst
- • Non-toxic and non-corrosive
- • Water-soluble in all proportions
- • Biodegradable formulation
Product Overview
Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC), also known as BZK, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and ADBAC, is a cationic surface-acting agent belonging to the quaternary ammonium group. This versatile compound has three main categories of use: as a biocide, a cationic surfactant, and a phase transfer agent in the chemical industry.
As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, BKC is highly effective against bacteria, fungi, algae, and mold. Its cationic nature allows it to interact with negatively charged microbial cell walls, disrupting cellular processes and providing long-lasting antimicrobial protection.
BKC is non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-tanning, and non-staining, making it ideal for applications requiring both efficacy and safety. Its complete water solubility and biodegradable nature make it environmentally responsible while maintaining superior performance across diverse industrial applications.
Alternative Names
- • BZK (Benzalkonium Chloride)
- • ADBAC
- • Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride
- • Quaternary Ammonium Compound
Available Concentrations
- • 50% Active Content
- • 80% Active Content
Technical Specifications
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Water white to pale yellow |
| Physical Form | Liquid @ 20°C |
| Odor | Odorless to faint almond |
| Solid Content | 50% / 80% (±1%) |
| Free Amine Content | 1% maximum |
| pH Value | 7.5 (±1) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water (all proportions) |
Performance Characteristics
| Parameter | Performance |
|---|---|
| Antimicrobial Activity | Broad spectrum |
| Effective Against | Bacteria, fungi, algae, mold |
| Surface Activity | Cationic surfactant |
| Phase Transfer | Excellent catalyst |
| Corrosivity | Non-corrosive |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Biodegradability | Biodegradable |
Mechanism of Action
Benzalkonium Chloride's antimicrobial action is based on its cationic quaternary ammonium structure. The positively charged molecule interacts with negatively charged microbial cell walls, disrupting membrane integrity and cellular processes.
Antimicrobial Process:
- Adsorption: Cationic BKC adsorbs to negatively charged cell surfaces
- Penetration: Molecule penetrates through cell wall
- Membrane Disruption: Causes leakage of cellular contents
- Protein Denaturation: Disrupts essential cellular proteins
- Cell Death: Results in rapid microbial inactivation
As a surfactant, BKC reduces surface tension and acts as an emulsifier, while its phase transfer properties facilitate chemical reactions between different phases.
Applications by Industry
Coating Chemicals
Acts as emulsifier and preservative in paints, wood treatments, varnishes, and lacquers.
- • Paint preservation
- • Wood treatment solutions
- • Varnish formulations
- • Lacquer applications
Chemical Industry
Used as precipitant, phase transfer catalyst, emulsifier/de-emulsifier, and algae prevention.
- • Phase transfer catalyst
- • Emulsification processes
- • Cooling tower treatment
- • Chemical precipitation
Water Treatment
Effective in water and effluent treatment formulations and swimming pool algaecides.
- • Water treatment systems
- • Effluent treatment
- • Swimming pool algaecides
- • Industrial water systems
Oil & Gas
Acts as de-emulsifier/sludge breaker for enhanced oil extraction and pipeline protection.
- • Enhanced oil recovery
- • Sludge breaking
- • Pipeline corrosion inhibition
- • Gas treatment applications
Food Industry
Non-toxic formulations for cleaner-sanitizers in dairy, poultry, fisheries, and food storage.
- • Dairy industry sanitizers
- • Poultry farm disinfection
- • Fishery applications
- • Food storage tank cleaning
Multiple Industries
Versatile applications across pulp & paper, leather, horticulture, timber, textile, and sanitizers.
- • Pulp & paper microbiocide
- • Leather preservation
- • Horticultural treatments
- • Textile & timber protection
Packaging & Storage
Available Packaging
Container Options: 5kg, 50kg & 200kg plastic containers and HMHDPE drums
- Small scale: 5kg plastic containers
- Medium scale: 50kg plastic containers
- Industrial scale: 200kg HMHDPE drums
- Custom packaging available on request
- Food-grade containers for food industry applications
Storage Requirements
Storage: Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Temperature: 5°C to 30°C
- Protect from freezing
- Shelf life: 24 months under proper conditions
- Keep containers tightly sealed
- Avoid contamination with incompatible materials
Safety & Environmental Information
Safety Profile
- • Non-toxic formulation
- • Non-corrosive to equipment
- • Non-tanning properties
- • Non-staining characteristics
- • Biodegradable composition
- • Environmentally responsible
- • Safe for food industry use
Handling Guidelines
- • Use appropriate PPE during handling
- • Ensure adequate ventilation
- • Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes
- • Follow local environmental regulations
- • Proper disposal of containers
- • Regular monitoring of workplace exposure
- • Training for handling personnel
Need Technical Support?
Our technical experts can help you select the right BKC concentration and application method for your specific industry requirements.