Product Name: C12-C18 Alkyldimethyl(Ethylbenzyl)Ammonium Chloride
Synonyms: Benzalkonium chloride, Quaternary ammonium compound
CAS Number: 68956-79-6
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, biocide, surface sanitizer
Manufacturer Information: Emergency contact numbers, address of producer and responsible parties
Emergency Overview: Clear to yellowish fluid with mild odor, supplied in various concentrations
Contact Number: Safety officer details should always be easily found on the label and SDS document
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), skin corrosion, eye damage, aquatic toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes skin burns and eye damage, toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
Pictograms: Corrosive, exclamation mark, environment
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, do not breathe mist or spray, wash thoroughly after handling, use personal protective equipment, keep out of reach of children
Potential Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, ingestion, inhalation
Chronic Hazards: Extended contact may lead to dermatitis or serious eye irritation
C12-C18 Alkyldimethyl(Ethylbenzyl)Ammonium Chloride: Typically 10% - 80% by weight
Water: Balance (varies by product concentration)
Other Ingredients: Stabilizers, fragrance (if formulated), nonionic surfactants as needed
Impurities: No significant impurities expected in properly sourced and manufactured material
Ingredient Disclosure: Manufacturer must provide breakdown of all ingredients for workplace transparency
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek immediate medical aid if symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or dizziness occur
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, rinse skin thoroughly with plenty of water, seek medical help if irritation or burns develop
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently but thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, seek immediate medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, offer small amount of water if conscious, consult poison control or doctor without delay
Symptoms: Severe irritation, redness, chemical burns, nausea, abdominal pain if ingested, breathing difficulty if inhaled
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide for surrounding fire, water spray to cool containers
Hazards from Combustion: Emission of toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit
Special Precautions: Contaminated runoff may pose environmental risk, avoid breathing vapors, contain contaminated water
Unusual Fire Hazards: Material may support combustion of other substances
Personal Precautions: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, suitable clothing, ensure adequate ventilation
Spill Cleanup: Absorb small spills with inert material like sand, earth, or vermiculite, collect and place in properly labeled containers
Decontamination: Wash spill area with large quantities of water and detergent, avoid using strong acids or oxidizers
Containment: Prevent run-off from reaching drains, waterways, or soil
Disposal: Dispose contaminated absorbent and cleanup materials as hazardous waste
Notification: Report significant spills to local environmental authorities where applicable
Precautions for Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhaling mist or vapor, never mix with incompatible chemicals such as strong acids and anionic surfactants
Storage Requirements: Keep container tightly closed, store in dry, cool, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition
Incompatibility: Do not store with food, feeds, acids, or anionic substances as they may react violently or neutralize the disinfectant properties
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling, never eat, drink, or smoke in areas where this substance is used
Exposure Limits: No established TLV or OSHA PEL for this specific compound, follow good hygiene and exposure monitoring practices
Engineering Controls: Ensure adequate ventilation, local exhaust, dilution ventilation where aerosols or vapors are generated
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles or full-face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), protective clothing to prevent skin contact
Respiratory Protection: Suitable NIOSH-approved respirator during spraying, spill response, or in poorly ventilated spaces
Environmental Controls: Prevent product release to natural waters, sewer systems, and soil
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Faint aromatic, sometimes soapy
pH (1% sol.): About 6 to 8
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Below 0°C (as an aqueous solution)
Boiling Point: 100°C (depends on exact composition)
Flash Point: Not flammable in aqueous solution
Vapor Pressure: Practically negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Freely soluble in water and in alcohol, forms stable emulsions
Relative Density: 0.95–1.05 (water = 1)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): No relevant data available
Evaporation Rate: Similar to water
Viscosity: Low, not highly viscous
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under normal storage and handling conditions, degrades gradually with high heat or UV light
Hazardous Reactions: Rapid decomposition may occur with strong acids, strong oxidizers, or anionic detergents
Decomposition Products: Formation of toxic fumes, including nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride
Incompatibility: Strong acids, anionic compounds, oxidizers, strong reducing agents
Polymerization: No dangerous polymerization expected
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) ranges from 240 to 400 mg/kg; dermal LD50 (rabbit) >2000 mg/kg
Irritation: Causes severe skin and eye irritation, potential for burns
Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions or dermatitis with extended contact
Inhalation: Mist or aerosols can irritate respiratory tract, provoke coughing or breathing difficulties
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may lead to dermatitis, ulceration, or irreversible damage to eyes
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by ACGIH, NTP, or IARC
Mutagenicity, Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected based on available data, but long-term studies are limited
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, LC50 for fish is below 1 mg/L, avoid discharge into surface waters
Persistence and Degradability: Product degrades slowly under environmental conditions, but breakdown can generate harmful by-products
Bioaccumulation Potential: Some accumulation expected in aquatic organisms, limited evidence of significant biomagnification
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, potential for contamination of soil and groundwater
Other Information: Prevent product from entering watercourses, inform relevant authorities if major discharge occurs
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose through licensed waste management company, must not be released directly into sewer, water systems, or soil
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be rinsed and disposed through approved facilities, never reuse for food or drink
Environmental Considerations: Always follow regional or national waste disposal regulations, do not burn contaminated material unless permitted
Special Precautions: Label discarded materials clearly, handle and transport with appropriate safety measures
UN Number: 2920 (Corrosive liquid, flammable, n.o.s. — where applicable)
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive Liquid, N.O.S. (contains Alkyldimethyl(Ethylbenzyl)Ammonium Chloride)
Transport Hazards Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)
Packing Group: III (for most commercially available solutions; concentration-dependent)
Labeling Requirements: Corrosive label required, keep upright during transport, ensure secure closures
Special Precautions: Avoid transport with incompatible materials, prevent tipping or leaks
Marine Pollutant: Yes, subject to environmental transportation regulations
TSCA Inventory: Listed for commercial use in the United States
OSHA: Regulated under hazard communication requirements
SARA Title III: This product can trigger reporting for certain thresholds
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed, additional provincial requirements may apply
EU Regulations: Classified according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Other National/International Regulations: Product and label must comply with local laws, workplace classification, and safety compliance standards for occupational use
