Benzalkonium (bromide)

N-Benzyl-N, N-dimethyldodecan-1-aminium bromide, also known as Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC), is a quaternary ammonium compound widely used as an antimicrobial and surfactant in various industries. BAC is commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic in a variety of products including hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and eye drops. Its ability to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi makes it an effective tool in preventing the spread of infection. BAC is also used as a preservative and disinfectant in the food industry. It is added to food packaging and processing equipment to prevent the growth of microorganisms and increase the shelf life of foods. Additionally, BACs are found in many household products such as cleaning solutions, fabric softeners and personal care products. Its surfactant properties allow it to be used to reduce surface tension and increase the effectiveness of cleaning agents. Although BAC has many uses, ingestion or exposure to high concentrations of BAC can cause skin irritation and other adverse effects.