Benzalkonium chloride
`SigmaUltra
`
`Product Number B6295
`Store at Room Temperature
`
`Product Description
`CAS Number: 63449-41-2
`Structure: [C6H5CH2N(CH3)2R]Cl where R is
`predominantly n-C12H25
`(product also contains C14 and C16 homologs)
`Molecular weight (approximately): 3601; 375 by
`perchloric acid titration
`Melting point: 34-37 (cid:176)C
`Synonyms: Alkyl Dimethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride;
`Alkyldimethyl(phenylmethyl) Quaternary Ammonium
`Chloride
`
`Trace Elemental Analysis have been performed on the
`SigmaUltra benzalkonium chloride. The Certificate of
`Analysis provides lot-specific results. SigmaUltra
`benzalkonium chloride is for applications requiring
`tight control of elemental content.
`
`Benzalkonium chloride (BC) is a quaternary
`ammonium salt with antiseptic properties and similar
`uses to other cationic surfactants. The mode of action
`of quaternary ammonium compounds appears to be
`associated with the effect on the cytoplasmic
`membrane, which controls cell permeability. Extensive
`data are reported for effective concentrations and
`affected bacterial species.4 BC is not effective against
`Gram negative bacteria or picornaviruses.5 It has
`been reported that BC inactivates HIV and HSV
`in vitro.3
`
`Benzalkonium chloride is reportedly incompatible with
`soaps and other anionic surfactants, citrates, iodides,
`nitrates, permanganates, salicylates, silver salts, and
`tartrates.
`Incompatibilities have been demonstrated
`with ingredients of some commercial rubber mixes or
`
`Incompatibilities have also been reported
`plastics.
`with other substances including aluminum, cotton,
`fluorescein sodium, hydrogen peroxide, kaolin,
`hydrous wool fat, and some sulphonamides.3,5 The
`preservative effect of BC can be neutralized by the
`addition of TWEEN(cid:210) 80 and lecithin.6
`
`Precautions and Disclaimer
`For Laboratory Use Only. Not for drug, household or
`other uses.
`
`Preparation Instructions
`This product is soluble in water (100 mg/ml), yielding a
`clear, colorless to faint yellow solution.
`It is also very
`soluble in alcohol and acetone, slightly soluble in
`benzene, and almost insoluble in ether. 2 Solutions
`may be autoclaved or aseptically filtered. 3
`
`References
`1. USP, 22, p. 1905.
`2. The Merck Index, 11th ed., Entry# 1066.
`3. Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 31st ed.,
`Reynolds, J. E. F., ed., Royal Pharmaceutical
`Society (London, England: 1996), p. 1117.
`4. Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation, 4th
`ed., Block, S. S., ed., Lea & Febiger (Philadelphia,
`PA: 1991), pp. 225-255.
`5. Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation, 4th
`ed., Block, S. S., ed., Lea & Febiger (Philadelphia,
`PA: 1991), p. 633.
`6. Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation, 4th
`ed., Block, S. S., ed., Lea & Febiger (Philadelphia,
`PA: 1991), p. 884.
`
`TWEEN is a registered trademark of ICI Americas, Inc.
`
`AGW/RXR 5/06
`
`Sigma brand products are sold through Sigma-Aldrich, Inc.
`Sigma-Aldrich, Inc. warrants that its products conform to the information contained in this and other Sigma-Aldrich publications. Purchaser
`must determine the suitability of the product(s) for their particular use. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please see reverse side of
`the invoice or packing slip.