Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC)
Benzalkonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium antiseptic and disinfectant with actions and uses similar to those of other cationic surfactants. It is also used as an antimicrobial preservative for pharmaceutical products. For most multi-dose aqueous nasal, ophthalmic and OTC products, Benzalkonium Chloride is the preservative of choice.
It has been used in eye drops as a preservative since the 1950s and it is still the most common preservative used in ophthalmic solutions at a concentration of 0.01 – 0.02%. It is an effective bactericidal and fungicidal agent that helps to minimize the growth of organisms in multi-dose containers.
| CAS No. | Chemical Structure | Molecular Formula | Strength |
8001-54-5 |
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C22H40ClN | 50.0% (±1%) w/w |
| pH | Physical Appearance | Density | Packing |
| 7.5 (±1) | A white or yellowish-white powder or gelatinous, yellowish-white fragments | 0.97(±0.01) g/ml | 100 Kg HDPE carboys |
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