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Composition of Benzalkonium Chloride

Benzalkonium chloride is an ammonium compound solution used to make industrial and household products, such as shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, disinfectants and algaecide. In its physical state, it is a white powdery substance, but when it is combined with other solutions, it becomes a clear, light-colored liquid. The general composition of benzalkonium chloride includes several other compound solutions that change depending on the specified purpose or use.

  1. Description

    • Benzalkonium chloride is categorized with quaternary ammonium compounds, which are a group of ammonium salts that have had their four original hydrogen parts replaced with organic radicals. It has a central nitrogen atom that connects to four organic radicals, which may include alkyl, aralkyl or aryl, and one acid radical. It is made by combining amine and alkyl agents.

    Alkanes

    • Benzalkonium chloride includes alkanes, which are simple organic compounds that contain two elements, hydrogen and carbon. Alkanes consist of one bond and have hydrogen in every part. Some alkanes include methane, ethane, butane and propane. Alkanes are highly combustible, making them effective as clean fuels and essential for making products such as fuel oil and kerosene. Derivatives of alkane are also used in detergents, shampoo, disinfectants and insecticide.

    Amines

    • Amines, also included in the composition of benzalkonium chloride, are organic compounds that consist of a basic nitrogen atom attached to a pair of valance electrons. Derived from ammonia and characterized by their fishy odor, amines are an essential component of amino acids. They are used in vitamins and others drugs that support the health of the body. They are also used to make synthetic dyes, rubber and gas treatments.

    Ethanol

    • Ethanol is a colorless liquid used in the composition of benzalkonium chloride. When zymase, a yeast enzyme, is added to simple sugars, ethanol forms. Ethanol is a solvent used in various substances intended for human ingestion and external contact. It is popular as a prime ingredient in most alcoholic beverages, but it also has a wide range of other uses, such as in medicine, flavorings, colorings and pharmaceuticals.

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