Benzalkonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt. It is a cationic surface active agent and germicide. It is not effective against gram-negative bacteria or picornaviruses and it is not recommended for treatment of sanitizing critical or semicritical medical instruments. It has been reported that benzalkonium chloride inactivates HIV and HSV in vitro. Incompatible with anionic detergents, such as soap, and with nitrates. The preservative effect can be neutralized by the addition of Tween 80 and lecithin. The mode of action of quaternary ammonium compounds appears to be associated with the agent's effect on the cytoplasmic membrane, which controls cell permeability.
Purity: ~97%
Key Applications: Cationic surface active agent, germicide
Application Areas: Quality Control
Product Type: Biochemicals
Biochemical Category: Surfactants
Chemical Class: Surfactants
Density: 0.98
Boiling Point: >100°C/760mmHg
Melting Point: 34-37°C (Lit.)
Presentation: Colorless to Slightly Yellow Waxy Solid
Detection Method: FTIR
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohol, acetone; slightly soluble in benzene.
Sterilization of Solutions: Solutions can be sterilized by autoclaving or filtration.
Storage & Handling: Store at Room Temperature.