Solutions Guide
Benzalkonium Chloride 50% — Chemical Identity (CAS 8001-54-5, ADBAC)
Benzalkonium Chloride 50% (BKC 50%) is a 50% aqueous solution of Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (ADBAC), a cationic surfactant and quaternary ammonium biocide. This page consolidates the chemical identity — CAS, EC/EINECS, InChI, SMILES, UNII and INCI — so procurement, regulatory and formulation teams can map any datasheet to the same substance.
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Identity and identifiers
BKC is a mixture of alkyl chain lengths (predominantly C12–C16), so it carries a mixture CAS number 8001-54-5 alongside chain-specific CAS numbers (63449-41-2, 68391-01-5, 68424-85-1). Key identifiers: EC/EINECS 264-151-6; molecular formula C6H5CH2N(CH3)2RCl (R = C8–C18 alkyl); representative InChIKey JUKPWJGBANNWMW-UHFFFAOYSA-M; UNII F5UM2KM3W7; INCI name 'Benzalkonium Chloride'; EPA PC Code 069105; HS Code 29239000.
What the 50% grade is
The 50% grade is the ready-to-use global formulation standard: a clear pale-yellow liquid, fully water-miscible, pH 6–8 (10% solution), specific gravity 0.96–1.00 at 25 °C, with a controlled C12/C14/C16 alkyl distribution optimised for biocidal activity. It is used directly (with dilution) in disinfectants, sanitisers, preservatives and algaecides. For freight-economical concentrate, see BKC 80%.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Benzalkonium Chloride 50%?+
The mixture CAS number is 8001-54-5. Chain-specific CAS numbers include 63449-41-2, 68391-01-5 and 68424-85-1. The EC/EINECS number is 264-151-6.
Is BKC 50% the same as ADBAC?+
Yes. BKC is Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (ADBAC), a quaternary ammonium compound. 'BKC 50%' denotes a 50% active aqueous solution.
What is the INCI name for cosmetic use?+
The INCI name is 'Benzalkonium Chloride' (COSING reference 31618), used to declare it in cosmetic formulations.