Benzalkonium Chloride is a chemical compound widely used and known for its antimicrobial properties. It is usually found in disinfectants, sanitizer and antiseptics due to its effectiveness to eliminate bacteria, fungi and viruses. The creation of Benzalkonium Chloride involves a chemical process to make it work in a unique way, this process is crucial in cleaning products used often at home or big industries. Knowing the process of Benzalkonium Chloride will help us to understand why it is a powerful antimicrobial agent.
What is Benzalkonium Chloride?
The Benzalkonium Chloride is a quaternary compound of ammonium, often known as quaternary ammonium salt. It is composed of nitrogen atoms linked to four organic groups, one of these groups being a long alkyl chain. This long alkyl chain gives the Benzalkonium Chloride its hydrophobic properties, allowing the interaction with the membranes of the organism, while the ammonium group is hydrophilic, this helps with the solubility of the water.
The Benzalkonium is known for its dual nature due to the compounds that it has, this makes the Benzalkonium Chloride effective for discomposing the cell membranes of the microorganism. This structure allows the Benzalkonium Chloride to work as a surfactant, removing oil and grease and as disinfectant killing unwanted microorganisms.
How is Benzalkonium Chloride Made?
The Benzalkonium Chloride is made with a reaction of Benzyl chloride and the quaternary amine. The process to make Benzalkonium Chloride are the following steps:
- Alkalisation of ammonia or amine: The first step to make Benzalkonium Chloride is the alkalization of a quaternary compound. This is made with a reaction of a halide or alkyl like the benzyl chloride with a third amine. This reaction creates a quaternary ammonium salt, which is the main structure of the Benzalkonium Chloride.
- The creation of the Quaternary ammonium compound: Once the alkalization has occurred, the nitrogen atom in the amine joins the benzyl group, forming a quaternary ammonium compound. This structure gives the Benzalkonium Chloride its antimicrobial properties, due to the union of the cell membranes of the microorganism.
- Purification: After synthesizing the compound, the mixture is purified to remove by-products or impurities. This ensures that the final product of Benzalkonium Chloride is stable and ready to be used.
- Dilution and formation: Once purified, the Benzalkonium Chloride is diluted with water or other solvents to create an effective concentration for industrial or home products. Common concentrations vary between 0.1% and 2% depending on the intended use.
How to use Benzalkonium Chloride
The Benzalkonium Chloride its use in different ways:
- Disinfectants and sanitizers: It is found in cleaning products for surfaces and hand disinfectants due to its capacity to eliminate bacteria and dangerous viruses.
- Personal care: The Benzalkonium Chloride is found in mouthwash by eye drops due to its antibacterial properties.
- Medical usage: To disinfect the skin before surgeries or medical procedures.
Summary
The creation of Benzalkonium Chloride involves a chemical reaction between benzyl chloride and a quaternary amine, making a compound with antimicrobial properties. Its structure allows it to penetrate and alter the membranes of microorganisms, which makes it very effective in a wide range of disinfectants, sanitisers and cleaning products. This compound continues to be a strong tool in hygiene and public health in various industries.