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Benzalkonium chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H12ClN
CAS number
8001-54-5
IUPAC name
benzyl-hexadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, benzalkonium chloride is typically found in a solid state, though it is commonly distributed in solution form for practical applications.

Melting point (Celsius)
-8.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
265.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
357.85
Boiling point (Kelvin)
631.00
General information
Molecular weight
340.03g/mol
Molar mass
340.0280g/mol
Density
0.9830g/cm3
Appearence

Benzalkonium chloride appears as a white or yellowish solid with a faint almond-like odor. It is often found as a powder, crystalline, or in a gel-like form when appropriately arranged in solution. When dissolved in water, it forms clear and colorless to slightly yellowish solutions, sometimes exhibiting mild foaming characteristics.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Benzyl-hexadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium

Benzyl-hexadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium, often referred to as a quaternary ammonium compound, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that make it valuable in various applications.

Its solubility profile can be summarized as follows:

  • Polar Solvents: This compound demonstrates good solubility in polar solvents such as water and alcohols due to the presence of the ammonium group.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: It is also soluble in non-polar solvents, owing to the long hydrophobic hexadecyl tail, allowing it to interact favorably with lipid environments.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility can significantly increase with temperature, as higher thermal energy promotes the breakdown of solvation barriers.
  • pH Influence: The solubility can vary depending on the pH of the solution; a more acidic or basic environment may enhance or inhibit its solubility.

In summary, benzyl-hexadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium is characterized by its dual solubility in both polar and non-polar environments, making it versatile for use in a variety of chemical formulations. Its behavior illustrates the importance of molecular structure in determining solubility attributes, providing an example of how amphiphilic compounds function in different solvent systems.

Interesting facts

Benzyl-Hexadecyl-Dimethyl-Ammonium: A Unique Quaternary Ammonium Compound

Benzyl-hexadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium (often referred to as BHDA) is a fascinating compound that belongs to the class of quaternary ammonium salts. These compounds are often cherished for their unique properties, and BHDA is no exception. Here are some interesting facts about this versatile chemical:

  • Structure and Functionality: BHDA consists of a benzyl group, a long hexadecyl chain, and two methyl groups attached to a nitrogen atom. This distinct structure makes it a powerful surfactant and cationic agent.
  • Applications: This compound is commonly used in the formulation of:
    • Antimicrobial agents
    • Disinfectants
    • Fabric softeners
    • Hair conditioners
  • Biological Activity: Due to its cationic nature, BHDA exhibits effective antibacterial properties, making it valuable in medical and hygiene products.
  • Surface Activity: As a surfactant, it functions by reducing surface tension, allowing it to spread and penetrate various materials effectively. This makes it invaluable in many cleaning and personal care products.
  • Emulsification: BHDA acts as an emulsifier, facilitating the blending of oil and water, thus enhancing the stability of formulations in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

In summary, benzyl-hexadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium is not only a compound with intriguing chemical characteristics but also one that plays an essential role in various industrial and health-related applications. Its dual functionality as a surfactant and antimicrobial agent underscores its importance in the realm of chemistry.

Synonyms
Cetalkonium
10328-34-4
Cetalkonium ion
Cetyldimethylbenzylammonium
Cetalkonium cation
benzylhexadecyldimethylammonium
Benzyldimethylhexadecyl ammonium
FHG725432Z
Benzenemethanaminium, N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-
BENZENEMETHANAMINIUM, N-HEXADECYL, N,N-DIMETHYL-
RefChem:575292
BENZYL(HEXADECYL)DIMETHYLAZANIUM
benzyl-hexadecyl-dimethylazanium
Benzylcetyldimethylammonium
benzyldimethylhexadecylammonium
UNII-FHG725432Z
CBnBr
benzyl-hexadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium
SCHEMBL233796
CHEMBL1624075
DTXSID3047007
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE C16
Benzyl hexadecyl dimethyl ammonium
CHEBI:135523
DB11583
N-Benzyl-N,N-dimethylhexadecan-1-aminium
NS00004120
SR-01000944408
SR-01000944408-1
BRD-K23403298-003-01-9
Q27277991
51895-89-7