Product Name: Benzalkonium Bromide
Chemical Family: Quaternary Ammonium Compound
Chemical Formula: C17H30BrN
CAS Number: 7281-04-1
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, sanitizer, preservative, surfactant in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors
Supplier: Manufacturer or distributor details with address and emergency contact information will be presented here by the source.
Synonyms: Alkylbenzyldimethylammonium bromide
Emergency Overview: Clear liquid or white crystalline powder with slight aromatic odor, hazardous to eyes and skin, can be toxic if swallowed.
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral and dermal), skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage, aquatic toxicity
Hazard Statements: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, toxic to aquatic life, harmful if swallowed or inhaled
Pictograms: Corrosive, exclamation mark, environmental hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from unprotected skin, eyes, and clothing, avoid inhalation and ingestion, use only in well-ventilated spaces
Symptoms of Exposure: Burning sensation, redness, blisters on skin, severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress on inhalation or ingestion
NFPA Ratings: Health: 3, Flammability: 1, Reactivity: 0, Special: Corrosive
Chemical Name: Benzalkonium Bromide
Concentration: Typically 80–100% active ingredient, may be diluted by commercial suppliers for specific applications
Impurities: Trace amounts of other alkylbenzyl compounds, water, sodium chloride
CAS Number: 7281-04-1
Molecular Weight: About 340-370 g/mol, depending on alkyl group chain length
Other Components: Stabilizers or buffers only if listed by manufacturer; not standard in pure material
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing with oxygen if troubled, seek medical attention promptly for breathing problems, wheezing, or throat swelling
Skin Contact: Rinse exposed skin immediately with plenty of cool water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice for persistent redness, blistering, or burns
Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with copious amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes, pull eyelids apart to ensure thorough irrigation, consult an ophthalmologist urgently
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water (avoid swallowing), do not induce vomiting, give water or milk only if person remains fully alert, get immediate medical attention
Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory and cardiovascular complications, consider decontamination in severe oral exposures
Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray suitable for surroundings
Unsuitable Media: Avoid using direct streams of water that may spread material
Special Hazards from Combustion: Toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides, hydrogen bromide, benzene derivatives can persist in smoke
Fire Fighting Instructions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective equipment to prevent eye and skin contact, control runoff water to prevent contamination
Additional Hazards: Containers may rupture from heat exposure, material may be corrosive to metal and reactive with strong oxidizers
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash-resistant goggles, and protective clothing, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to drains, sewers, or surface/groundwater, contain spill with inert absorbents such as sand or vermiculite
Clean-Up Methods: Absorb spilled liquid with non-combustible material, scoop up and place in a labeled, corrosion-resistant waste container, wash contaminated area thoroughly with water and mild detergent
Decontamination: Wash tools and equipment after clean-up, remove protective wear and dispose of properly
Safe Handling: Minimize contact with skin, eyes, and clothing, avoid breathing dust, wear appropriate PPE in handling areas, use only with adequate ventilation, do not mix with acids or oxidizers
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a well-ventilated, dry, and cool location, keep away from incompatible materials like acids and reducing agents, protect from heat and moisture
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, anionic surfactants, acids, and metals susceptible to corrosion
Shelf Life: Stable under recommended conditions for at least two years
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA or ACGIH limits available, practice general industrial hygiene and exposure prevention
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or process enclosure to reduce airborne concentrations in processing areas
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator in poorly ventilated spaces or for large spills
Skin Protection: Wear impervious gloves (butyl rubber or nitrile), chemical-resistant apron or suit for splash protection
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles and full face shield recommended
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, change contaminated clothing promptly
Appearance: White to off-white powder or clear, viscous liquid
Odor: Slightly aromatic, typical of quaternary ammonium compounds
Odor Threshold: No established value
pH: 6–8 in 1% aqueous solution
Melting Point / Freezing Point: 160–165°C for solid
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Above 100°C (closed cup, varies by concentration)
Evaporation Rate: Not measured
Flammability: Not easy to ignite
Explosive Properties: Not considered explosive
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not available
Relative Density: 0.95–1.05 g/cm³ (20°C)
Solubility: Easily soluble in water and alcohol
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): 0.5–2 (estimate, depends on chain length)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: Above 180°C
Viscosity: Not measured for pure solid; liquid forms can be viscous
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard ambient temperatures and pressures
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with oxidizers or strong acids may generate toxic, corrosive fumes
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, open flames, direct sunlight, incompatible chemicals
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, anionic detergents, metals such as zinc or aluminum
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, nitrogen oxides, and aromatic hydrocarbons, especially at high temperatures or under fire conditions
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 400 mg/kg–600 mg/kg; Dermal LD50 (rabbit): 1000–1600 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Effects of Overexposure: Severe skin and eye irritation or burns, gastrointestinal corrosion, respiratory distress
Chronic Effects: Not proven carcinogenic, but repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis
Sensitization: Can trigger allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: No data shows carcinogenic or significant mutagenic potential
Reproductive Toxicity: Not classified as reproductive toxin; data limited
Other Symptoms: Corneal damage from eye contact, throat and stomach pain if swallowed, headache and dizziness from vapors at high levels
Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, very toxic in high concentrations to fish and invertebrates
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately persistent in soil and water, biodegrades over time but slowly under anaerobic conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low to moderate depending on local environmental factors
Mobility in Soil: Moves slowly through soil, binds to organic matter
Other Effects: May disrupt local microbial communities, toxic to waste treatment bacteria in large spills
Disposal Methods: Avoid discharge into drains and water bodies, place waste and contaminated materials in corrosion-resistant containers for disposal through approved hazardous waste collection
Empty Containers: Triple-rinse containers before disposal, do not reuse containers for other purposes
Regulatory Requirements: Follow local, state, and federal regulations for chemical waste disposal
Special Instructions: Neutralize residues if possible, label and segregate for hazardous waste pick-up
Proper Shipping Name: Benzalkonium Bromide Solution or Benzalkonium Bromide
UN Number: 1759 (for corrosive solids, n.o.s.), 1760 (for liquid solutions)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: II or III, depending on concentration
Labels: Corrosive
Marine Pollutant: YES
Special Transport Precautions: Ensure containers are secure, upright, and marked clearly, avoid stacking drums to prevent leaks
OSHA: Not specifically listed, handle as hazardous chemical per Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed in the United States TSCA Inventory
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
EU Classification: Corrosive, dangerous for the environment
Signal Word: Danger per CLP regulation
Risk Phrases: R34: Causes burns, R50: Very toxic to aquatic organisms
Safety Phrases: S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice; S36/37/39: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection
