Surfactants - Cationic Available — Bulk Only

Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC, ADBAC)

BAC
CAS 8001-54-5 · Formula C22H40ClN · MW 354.0 g/mol

A cationic quaternary-ammonium surfactant used as a wetting and emulsifying agent in industrial processing. It is a cationic wetting and emulsifying agent used in textile, pulp-and-paper, and metal-processing operations.

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UN Number
UN 1760
Hazard Class
Class 8
HS Code
3402.41
At a Glance
Material Family
Surfactants - Cationic
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Biocidal Action · Surfactancy
Solubility
Very soluble in alcohol, acetone; slightly soluble in benzene; almost insoluble in ether
Applications & Use Cases
  • Cationic surfactant: Wetting and emulsifying agent in industrial formulations.
  • Textile processing: Auxiliary in textile printing, dyeing, and finishing.
  • Pulp and paper: Process additive in pulp-and-paper operations.
  • Metal processing: Auxiliary in metal extraction and refining.
Physical Properties
Melting Point
241.02 °C
Density
0.9429 g/cu cm at 25 °C
Solubility
Very soluble in alcohol, acetone; slightly soluble in benzene; almost insoluble in ether
Documents

Values shown are typical for the current commercial grade. A lot-specific Certificate of Analysis accompanies every shipment; the grade-specific SDS is available on request.

Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 8 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 1760
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 8
Packing GroupII
Proper Shipping NameCorrosive liquid, n.o.s. (Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride solution)

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
3402 . 41
Chapter 34
Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing and lubricating preparations, waxes
Heading 34.02
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 3402.41
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
8001-54-5
Molecular Formula
C22H40ClN
Molecular Weight
354.0 g/mol
IUPAC Name
benzyl-dimethyl-tridecylazanium chloride
PubChem CID
InChI Key
XIWFQDBQMCDYJT-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Synonyms & Trade Names
pentonium Alpagelle Zephiran Benzalkonii chloridum Cloruro de benzalconio Chlorure de benzalkonium Fundamentals Greenberry Prosanitize Shieldplex Viraxshield Aquacil CaseysLavender Cleanse Companion Daranjo Dermacide Disinall
Full Description

Benzalkonium Chloride (CAS 8001-54-5) is a cationic surfactant, a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides (quaternary ammonium compounds). It is a cationic wetting and emulsifying agent used in textile, pulp-and-paper, and metal-processing operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride?

Dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, also called benzalkonium chloride (BKC, 1227, CAS 8001-54-5), is a cationic surfactant — a mixture of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides (quaternary ammonium compounds). It functions as a cationic wetting and emulsifying agent in industrial formulations.

What is benzalkonium chloride used for?

In industrial settings it is used as a cationic surfactant and wetting/emulsifying agent, as an auxiliary in textile printing, dyeing, and finishing, as a process additive in pulp-and-paper operations, and as an auxiliary in metal extraction and refining. RawSource supplies it for these industrial process applications.

Is benzalkonium chloride the same as ammonia?

No. Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound — a class of organic cationic surfactants — and is chemically distinct from ammonia (NH3). The 'ammonium' in the name refers to the quaternary nitrogen center, not ammonia gas. See the SDS for composition and handling.

Does benzalkonium chloride ship as a regulated material?

This product carries UN 2928, so transport may be subject to dangerous-goods rules depending on concentration, packaging, and mode. RawSource provides the SDS and shipping documentation to support compliant carriage; confirm DOT/IMDG/IATA requirements with your carrier. Final classification follows the lot-specific SDS.

How is benzalkonium chloride supplied in bulk?

RawSource supplies BKC (CAS 8001-54-5) to industrial users in drums, IBC totes, and bulk formats under HS 3402.41 (cationic surface-active agents). Concentration, packaging, and MOQ are confirmed at quotation against the CoA. Submit a bulk RFQ with your target active concentration and volume.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.