Product image — to be added

Speciality Chemicals

BIT 20% (Benzisothiazolinone)

Formula: C₇H₅NOSCAS No.: 2634-33-5Mol. Wt: 151.18 g/mol (active BIT)
Product NameBIT 20% (Benzisothiazolinone)
SKUVCP-IND-0007
CategorySpeciality Chemicals
SubcategoryBiocides & Preservatives
OriginIndia
ManufacturerVasudev Chemo Pharma

Export: 1 MT minimum order  ·  Domestic: 25 kg minimum order

Quick answer

BIT 20% (Benzisothiazolinone, CAS 2634-33-5) is a formaldehyde-free liquid in-can preservative supplied at 20% active content in a water/glycol carrier. It controls bacteria, mould, and yeast in water-based paints, adhesives, inks, metalworking fluids, and detergents, remaining stable across pH 2–12 and temperatures up to 100°C.

About BIT 20% (Benzisothiazolinone)

BIT 20% (1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one, 20% active in a water/glycol carrier) is a broad-spectrum, formaldehyde-free in-can preservative and industrial biocide. It provides effective control of bacteria, yeasts, and fungi in aqueous formulations such as paints, coatings, adhesives, metalworking fluids, and cleaning products, with good stability across a wide pH and temperature range. Manufactured by Vasudev Chemo Pharma at our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in Gujarat, India.

Technical Specifications

ParameterValue
Active Content (BIT)20% ± 0.5%
AppearanceClear to pale yellow liquid
Density (25°C)1.05 – 1.10 g/cm³
pH (neat)4.0 – 6.0
Solubility in WaterFully miscible
Flash Point> 90°C
Formaldehyde ContentNil (formaldehyde-free)

Appearance

Clear to pale yellow liquid

Molecular Weight

151.18 g/mol (active BIT)

HSN Code

38089900

Applications & Industries

Applications

In-can preservation of paints and coatingsPreservation of adhesives and sealantsMetalworking fluid preservationHousehold and industrial cleaning productsLeather processing and finishingPaper and pulp mill slime control

Target Industries

Paints & CoatingsAdhesives & SealantsMetalworking & LubricantsHome & Personal CareLeather ProcessingPaper & Pulp

Safety & Compliance

GHS Classification

Safety Class: Corrosive/Irritant

Signal Word: Danger

GHS05GHS07GHS09

Hazard Statements

  • H314 – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
  • H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction
  • H400 – Very toxic to aquatic life
  • H411 – Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Packaging Options & Available Grades

Available Grades

  • Technical Grade
  • Industrial Grade

Packaging

  • 25 kg HDPE carboys
  • 200 kg HDPE drums
  • 1000 L IBC tanks
  • Custom packaging on request

Minimum Order Quantity

25 kg

Certifications & Quality Assurance

ISO 9001:2015

Documents & Downloads

Content to add

Downloadable documents — Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Product Specification Sheet. Each with file type, access level (public / on-request).

Shipping & Export Information

Content to add

Shipping & export details — Export-ready packaging, nearest ports (Kandla, Mundra, Hazira), shipping lead time, Incoterms offered (FOB, CIF, CFR), countries exported to, customs documentation support, HS code for this product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BIT 20% and what is it used for?+
BIT 20% is a 20% active aqueous/glycolic solution of Benzisothiazolinone (1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one, CAS 2634-33-5) — a broad-spectrum industrial biocide used as an in-can preservative. It is added to water-based paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, detergents, and metalworking fluids to prevent spoilage by bacteria, mould fungi, and yeasts during storage and use.
What is the CAS number and chemical formula of BIT?+
Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) has CAS number 2634-33-5, molecular formula C7H5NOS, and molecular weight 151.18 g/mol. It is also known by the EC/EINECS number 220-120-9. In the neat (100%) form it is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid with a melting point of 154–158°C; BIT 20% is the diluted liquid form supplied at 20% active content in a water/glycol carrier for easy handling and dosing.
Is Benzisothiazolinone the same as BIT and 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one?+
Yes. Benzisothiazolinone, BIT, 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one, 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, Benzisothiazolone, and Benz[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one all refer to the same active substance under CAS 2634-33-5. BIT 20% is simply this active ingredient supplied as a ready-to-dose 20% solution rather than the neat crystalline powder (sometimes sold as BIT 85% or BIT 90%).
How does BIT 20% work as a preservative?+
BIT interferes with the cellular metabolism of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, inhibiting their growth and reproduction. As a broad-spectrum biocide, it is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as mould and yeast contamination, which is why it protects water-based formulations from the odour, discolouration, gas formation, and viscosity changes caused by microbial spoilage.
Is BIT 20% formaldehyde-free and VOC-free?+
Yes. BIT 20% is formaldehyde-free and does not rely on slow formaldehyde release for its biocidal action, unlike some older preservative technologies. It is also VOC-free, helping formulators meet modern environmental and indoor air quality standards for paints, coatings, and household products sold in regulated markets.
What is the recommended dosage of BIT 20% in a formulation?+
Typical use levels range from 0.05% to 0.4% (w/w) of BIT 20% depending on the application, the degree of microbial challenge, and storage conditions. Paints and coatings typically use 0.1–0.3%; detergents and household cleaners typically use 0.1–0.3%; cosmetics and personal care formulations are generally dosed at the lower end of this range. Always confirm the correct dosage with bench-scale preservative efficacy testing for your specific formulation.
What pH and temperature range is BIT 20% stable in?+
BIT 20% is stable across a wide pH range — typically pH 2 to 12 — and remains effective at elevated processing temperatures up to approximately 100°C, with the active ingredient tolerating brief exposure to higher temperatures without significant loss of potency. This makes it suitable for alkaline detergents, high-pH latex paint systems, and formulations that undergo a heating step during manufacture.
In which industries and applications is BIT 20% used?+
BIT 20% is used across paints and coatings (emulsion and architectural paints, waterborne coatings, pigment preparations), adhesives and sealants, inks and printing systems, detergents and household cleaning products, metalworking fluids and cutting oils, leather processing, textile finishing, construction chemicals (grouts, plasters, admixtures), wood preservation, oilfield drilling muds and packer fluids, water treatment, and cosmetic and personal care formulations.
Can BIT 20% be used in cosmetics and personal care products?+
Benzisothiazolinone is used as a preservative in some personal care and cosmetic formulations, but its use is subject to regional cosmetic regulations and concentration limits (for example under the EU Cosmetic Regulation and Cosing database). Always confirm the current permitted concentration and any restrictions in your target market before formulating BIT into cosmetic or personal-care products, and consult the product SDS for handling guidance.
Is BIT 20% corrosive or an irritant — what safety precautions are needed?+
The neat BIT 20% concentrate is classified as corrosive to skin and can cause serious eye damage (GHS05), and it is a known skin sensitiser that has been associated with occupational contact dermatitis in industries such as paint manufacturing, printing, and metalworking. Always wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling BIT 20%, avoid skin and eye contact, and follow the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for storage, handling, and spill-response guidance.
How should BIT 20% be stored and what is its shelf life?+
Store BIT 20% in its original sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials such as strong oxidisers. Under these conditions, BIT 20% typically has a shelf life of around 12 months from the date of manufacture. Check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and SDS supplied with each batch for the exact expiry date and storage temperature range.
What packaging sizes does Vasudev Chemo Pharma supply BIT 20% in?+
Vasudev Chemo Pharma supplies BIT 20% in 25 kg HDPE carboys, 200 kg HDPE drums, and 1,000 L IBC tanks, with bulk tanker loads available for large-volume contracts. Custom packaging can be arranged on request. Every shipment includes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS), with Technical Data Sheets (TDS) available on request.
How is BIT 20% different from Preventol BIT 20 N, Nipacide BIT 20, or Mergal BIT20?+
Preventol BIT 20 N (LANXESS), Nipacide BIT 20 (Clariant), and Mergal BIT20 (Ataman/Troy) are branded trade names for benzisothiazolinone solutions at approximately 20% active content — the same active substance and CAS number (2634-33-5) as Vasudev Chemo Pharma's BIT 20%. Buyers switching from an imported branded product to our BIT 20% should confirm equivalence against active content, pH, viscosity, and application performance; our technical team can support side-by-side formulation trials.

Speciality Chemicals — BIT 20% (Benzisothiazolinone)

Applications, Supply & Global Distribution

BIT 20% (1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one, CAS 2634-33-5) is a formaldehyde-free, broad-spectrum in-can preservative manufactured by Vasudev Chemo Pharma. Supplied as a 20% active aqueous/glycolic solution, it controls bacteria, mould fungi, and yeasts across paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, metalworking fluids, detergents, leather processing, and construction chemicals, remaining stable across a wide pH and temperature range. A direct alternative to Preventol® BIT 20 N, Nipacide™ BIT 20, and Mergal® BIT20.

Industry Applications

In-Can Preservation for Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

Formaldehyde-free BIT 20% preservative for water-based paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and printing inks — preventing bacterial and fungal spoilage during storage and use.

Metalworking Fluids & Industrial Preservation

BIT 20% preservation for metalworking fluids, cutting oils, detergents, and household cleaning products — controlling bacterial contamination in alkaline and recirculating systems.

Leather, Textile & Personal Care Applications

Benzisothiazolinone-based biocide for leather processing, tanning liquors, textile spin-finish solutions, and select cosmetic and personal care formulations.

Global Supply of BIT 20% (Benzisothiazolinone) Preservative

Bulk Supply & Packaging Options

Available in 210L drums, 1 MT IBC tanks, ISO tanks, flexitanks, and bulk containers. Factory direct pricing from Gujarat, India.

Contract Manufacturing & White Label Supply

Private label, white label, and contract manufacturing services for H2S scavenger chemicals. OEM supply from ISO 9001:2015 certified facility.

Chemical Trading & Procurement

B2B supply, chemical trading, procurement services, and competitive pricing. Available on IndiaMart, Alibaba, and TradeWheel.

Related Products & Resources

BronopolFast-acting nitro-bromo preservative, often paired with BITSodium DimethyldithiocarbamateBiocide and heavy-metal precipitant for water treatmentPersonal Care & CosmeticsPreservatives and surfactants for cosmetics and personal care formulationsWater Treatment IndustryChemical solutions for water treatmentMetalworking Fluids IndustryBiocides and preservatives for metalworking fluidsBIT 20% Dosage GuideRecommended use levels and preservative efficacy testingBIT 20% Price & Supplier GuidePricing factors, MOQ, and evaluating a reliable supplierBIT 20% vs MIT/CMIT PreservativesCompare isothiazolinone preservatives and when to combine themBIT 20% Safety, Handling & StorageGHS hazards, PPE, storage conditions, and spill responseBenzisothiazolinone Uses in Paints & CoatingsIn-can preservation for emulsion and industrial coatingsBIT 20% for Adhesives & InksPreservation for PVA, acrylic adhesives and aqueous inksBIT 20% for Metalworking FluidsDosage and compatibility in cutting oil concentratesBIT vs Bronopol & Formaldehyde BiocidesComparing biocide classes and formaldehyde-free positioningBIT 20% as a Cosmetic PreservativeRegulatory limits and personal care application guidanceBIT 20% for Detergents & Household CleaningPreservation for liquid detergents and cleaning productsPreventol / Nipacide / Mergal BIT 20 AlternativeBrand equivalence and supplier qualification guidanceBenzisothiazolinone Technical Data (CAS 2634-33-5)Complete chemical identity and physical property referenceBIT 20% for Leather & Textile ProcessingTanning liquor and textile spin-finish preservationBIT 20% for Construction Chemicals & Wood PreservationGrouts, admixtures, wood preservatives, and drilling fluidsBenzisothiazolinone Allergy, Toxicity & Environmental ImpactSensitisation data, aquatic toxicity, and regulatory statusAll ProductsBrowse our full chemical product catalogAbout UsISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer in Gujarat, IndiaRequest a QuoteGet pricing and samples within 24 hours

Interested in BIT 20% (Benzisothiazolinone)?

Get competitive pricing, request a sample, or ask for the technical data sheet. Our team responds within 24 hours.

Request a Quote

Contact form will be pre-filled with "BIT 20% (Benzisothiazolinone)"

Related Speciality Chemicals