Benzalkonium Chloride (ADBAC, BAC)

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC/BKC) — also called alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) — is a cationic quaternary-ammonium surfactant and broad-spectrum biocide. Its positively charged head adsorbs onto the negatively charged surface of microbial cells and disrupts the membrane lipid bilayer, killing or inhibiting a wide range of bacteria, along with many fungi and enveloped viruses. That dual nature — surface-active wetting agent and non-oxidizing disinfectant — makes it a workhorse active across hard-surface sanitizers, water treatment, oilfield, and industrial formulations.

What benzalkonium chloride is used for, by sector

BAC is supplied as a mixture of alkyl homologues, typically C12–C16. The alkyl-chain distribution drives the efficacy profile: shorter C12 chains favor activity against yeast and fungi, C14 against gram-positive bacteria, and C16 against gram-negative organisms — which is why a balanced C12–C14-rich distribution is the most common all-purpose grade. Because it is non-oxidizing, BAC does not bleach or corrode in the way chlorine chemistries do, and it leaves a residual cationic film that can extend surface activity between applications.

• Hard-surface disinfectants & sanitizers (HI&I, food-contact areas): The dominant use. As a quaternary-ammonium (“quat”) active, BAC is formulated into spray-and-wipe cleaners, sanitizers, and no-rinse surface treatments. Its surfactancy lets a single formulation both clean and sanitize. Food-contact and institutional sanitizer formulations using quats are common; specific label efficacy and any regulatory registration are the formulator’s responsibility to establish.
• Water treatment, algaecide & biocide: Used to control biofilm, slime-forming bacteria, and algae in recirculating cooling water, industrial process water, and similar systems, where its non-oxidizing, persistent action complements oxidizing biocide programs.
• Oilfield & energy: Deployed as a biocide to control sulfate-reducing bacteria and microbial-induced corrosion in injection water, fracturing fluids, and stored fluids, and as a cationic surfactant component in treatment packages.
• Personal-care preservation (low levels): At low use levels, BAC functions as an antimicrobial preservative in rinse-off and certain leave-on formulations. Use levels here are governed by the applicable cosmetic regulations and safety assessment.
• Phase-transfer catalysis & industrial processing: As a quaternary-ammonium salt, BAC serves as a phase-transfer catalyst in organic synthesis and is used in textile, pulp-and-paper, and metallurgical processing.
• Fabric softening & antistatic finishing: The cationic charge deposits onto fibers to deliver softening and antistatic effects in textile and laundry systems.

Typical use-concentration ranges by application

The figures below are generic, formulation-dependent guide ranges expressed as active BAC; they are not specifications. Actual dosing depends on the alkyl distribution, target organisms, contact time, water chemistry, and the rest of the formulation. Always validate efficacy and confirm dosing against your own testing and the SDS.

Safety & handling

Benzalkonium chloride is supplied at high active concentration and must be handled with care. The concentrate is classified as corrosive and a skin/eye irritant (GHS signal word Danger; hazard statements include skin corrosion and serious eye damage, plus harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin). It is also very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, so spills, rinse water, and effluent require appropriate containment and treatment before discharge. Use suitable PPE, avoid mixing with anionic surfactants (which deactivate the cationic active), and treat the product Safety Data Sheet as the governing document for classification, exposure controls, storage, and disposal. The hazard profile applies to the concentrate; properly diluted in-use solutions are typically far less hazardous, but you must confirm this against your own formulation and the SDS.

Forms & grades

BAC is most commonly supplied as a clear aqueous solution, typically at 50% or 80% active, with the balance being water (and minor co-solvent in some grades). The alkyl-chain distribution and active strength are confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis per lot. Specify your required active concentration and alkyl distribution when requesting a quote.

Bulk benzalkonium chloride supply

RawSource sources benzalkonium chloride for manufacturers and formulators in drums, totes, and IBCs. Send your target active strength (e.g., 50% or 80%), alkyl distribution, and volume to receive current bulk pricing along with the SDS and CoA.