Product Name: Tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride Hydrate
Synonyms: Benzalkonium Chloride, Quaternary Ammonium Compound, Alkylbenzyldimethylammonium Chloride
CAS Number: 139-08-2
EC Number: 205-351-5
Recommended Use: Disinfectant, cleaning agent for surfaces, preservative in some products
Supplier Information: Manufacturer and distributor details should be found on the product packaging
Emergency Overview: Colorless to pale yellow solid or liquid; emits mild aromatic odor; absorbs moisture from air
Hazard Classifications: Acute Toxicity (Oral Category 4), Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 1), Serious Eye Damage (Category 1)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe dust, avoid contact with skin or eyes, wash hands thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves, face protection, and protective clothing
Physical Hazards: May cause corrosive damage to metals
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Chemical Name: Tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride Hydrate
Common Names: Quat salt, BZK
Purity: Typically >80% active ingredient
Impurities: May contain traces of other alkyl quaternary compounds (C12-C16 alkyl chains)
Other Components: Water (hydrate form), trace non-ionic surfactants, minor stabilizers
Molecular Formula: C23H42ClN•xH2O
Molecular Weight: 372.0 (anhydrous basis)
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately; keep at rest in position comfortable for breathing; seek medical attention if irritation or symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately; rinse skin with plenty of water, using soap if available, for at least 15 minutes; obtain medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse with gentle stream of water for at least 20 minutes, lifting eyelids occasionally; remove contact lenses promptly; seek prompt ophthalmological attention
Ingestion: Never give anything by mouth if unconscious; rinse mouth with water; call a poison center immediately; do not induce vomiting without instructions from medical personnel
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water fog, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or foam as appropriate
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use direct water stream; may spread substance
Specific Hazards from Fire: Decomposition under heat yields toxic fumes (hydrogen chloride, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides)
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require full protective suits and self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Evacuate downwind, contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination, avoid inhalation of decomposition products
Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel; ventilate area; keep away from open flames and sources of heat; wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains, watercourses, or soil; inform authorities if contamination occurs
Containment Procedures: Absorb spills with inert material (sand, earth, non-combustible absorbents); collect in containers for disposal
Clean-Up Methods: Wash spill site with water and detergent after absorbing the bulk; ventilate area; dispose according to local regulations
Safe Handling Advice: Use in well-ventilated area, avoid breathing vapors or dust; use protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, aprons
Storage Conditions: Store away from incompatible substances (strong acids, oxidizing materials); keep containers tightly closed and in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place
Storage Temperature: Preferably below 40°C
Other Precautions: Prevent contact with skin and eyes; label containers clearly; use secondary containment to avoid accidental spills
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits; general limit for nuisance dust may apply
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation in processing areas; safety showers and eyewash stations available nearby
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, chemical splash goggles, face shield for splash risk, chemical-resistant apron, long sleeves
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after use; remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator for chemical mists or dusts if airborne concentrations become significant
Appearance: White to pale yellow crystalline solid or viscous liquid at room temperature
Odor: Mild aromatic or soapy odor
Odor Threshold: Not well established; may detect odor at low concentrations
pH (1% solution): 6.5 – 8.0
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 45–60°C depending on hydration
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Highly soluble in water and ethanol
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 0.98–0.99 g/cm³ (hydrated); varies by batch
Flash Point: Not flammable under normal conditions
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Moderate, log Kow ~2.9
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Reactions: May react with acids to liberate toxic chlorinated gases; avoid contact with reducing agents
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride gas, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, organic vapors
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, strong acids, direct sunlight, mixing with incompatible materials
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): around 400–1000 mg/kg; skin LD50 (rabbit): varies, known to cause burns
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe, can cause blistering and deep ulcers
Eye Damage/Irritation: Permanent tissue damage possible on contact
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Prolonged exposure may cause sensitization in some individuals
Chronic Effects: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis, respiratory issues, or damage to mucous membranes
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Studies show low potential but handle with care
Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, short and long term harmful effects
Persistence and Degradability: Partially biodegradable, but quaternary ammoniums tend to persist in aquatic environments
Bioaccumulative Potential: Moderate; may concentrate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Binds strongly to sediments and organic matter; low mobility through soil once applied
Other Adverse Effects: May inhibit biological wastewater treatment processes at high concentrations
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste contractor; do not release into drains or environment
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse containers with copious water, treat rinse water as hazardous, dispose of following local and national regulations
Sewage Disposal: Avoid disposing via municipal sewage where possible
Additional Notes: Consider approved chemical incineration or secure landfill disposal for bulk waste
UN Number: 2922
UN Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive Liquid, Toxic, N.O.S. (contains Benzalkonium Chlorides)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), 6.1 (Toxic)
Packing Group: II
Transport Labeling: Corrosive, Toxic
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Both air and ground transport subject to hazardous materials regulations; handle with appropriate care to prevent leaks or spills during transit
U.S. Regulations: Listed under TSCA, SARA Title III Section 313 not typically applicable; classified hazardous substance CERCLA Section 102(2); workplace hazard under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
EU Regulations: Classified under CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; subject to REACH registration
Other International Regulations: Listed in Canadian DSL, Australian AICS, Japanese ENCS; marine pollutant designation for international transport, requires labeling and documentation
Product Restrictions: Approved by EPA as a pesticide active; usage and handling requirements mandated for certain concentration ranges
