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Benzalkonium chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
C27H42ClNO2
CAS number
8001-54-5
IUPAC name
benzyl-[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxo-ethyl]-dimethyl-ammonium;chloride
State
State

In its pure form at room temperature, benzalkonium chloride is typically supplied as a solid powder. In its common usage, especially for disinfection, it is often dissolved in water where it remains a stable liquid solution.

Melting point (Celsius)
-8.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
265.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
100.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
373.15
General information
Molecular weight
340.99g/mol
Molar mass
340.9880g/mol
Density
0.9890g/cm3
Appearence

Benzalkonium chloride is a white or yellowish-white powder or gel. It may also be found in a clear or slightly opalescent liquid form when in aqueous solution. Its solid form is characterized by a slight almond scent which becomes more pronounced when in solution.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Benzyl-[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxo-ethyl]-dimethyl-ammonium Chloride

The solubility of benzyl-[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxo-ethyl]-dimethyl-ammonium chloride is notably influenced by several factors due to its complex structure. This compound, containing a quaternary ammonium group, generally exhibits good solubility in polar solvents, especially water, owing to its ionic nature.

Factors Affecting Solubility:

  • Temperature: Increased temperature typically enhances the solubility of ionic compounds as it increases molecular movement.
  • pH Level: Being a quaternary ammonium salt, the compound's solubility might be influenced by the pH of the solution, as changes can affect its ionization.
  • Chain Length: The long dodecyl chain contributes hydrophobic characteristics, potentially reducing solubility in non-polar solvents.

This compound can be expected to have limited solubility in non-polar organic solvents, pronounced in less polar environments. For practical applications, it’s essential to consider the solvent system used, as “like dissolves like” is a foundational principle in chemistry.

In summary, while benzyl-[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxo-ethyl]-dimethyl-ammonium chloride demonstrates reasonable solubility in water, it is imperative to assess the interaction of its structural components with the solvent medium for precise applications.

Interesting facts

Exploring Benzyl-[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxo-ethyl]-dimethyl-ammonium Chloride

Benzyl-[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxo-ethyl]-dimethyl-ammonium chloride is a fascinating compound, especially within the realm of surfactants and biocides. Here are some intriguing facts about this remarkable chemical:

Key Characteristics

  • Quaternary Ammonium Compound: It belongs to a class of compounds known for their ability to act as surfactants, which lowers the surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid.
  • Amphiphilic Nature: The molecule is structured such that it possesses both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) parts, making it effective in a variety of applications including detergents and emulsifiers.
  • Biocidal Properties: Due to its cationic nature, it has strong antimicrobial activity, allowing it to be utilized in disinfectants and antiseptic formulations.

Applications and Uses

This compound finds an array of applications across multiple fields:

  • Personal Care Products: Often included in shampoos, conditioners, and skin cleansers for its conditioning and antimicrobial properties.
  • Industrial Cleaner: Utilized in formulations for cleaning surfaces in various industries, effectively combating bacteria and viruses.
  • Research Applications: Its unique properties make it a candidate for study in drug delivery systems, where it can enhance the efficacy of pharmaceutical compounds.

Environmental Impact

As a scientist, it's crucial to consider the environmental consequences:

  • Bioaccumulation Potential: The long carbon chain of dodecylamino may lead to accumulation in biological systems.
  • Ecotoxicology: Assessments are necessary to understand its impact on aquatic ecosystems and the environment when used in consumer products.

In conclusion, benzyl-[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxo-ethyl]-dimethyl-ammonium chloride is more than just a chemical compound; it’s a bridge connecting chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Its diverse functionality continues to make it a subject of interest in both practical applications and research endeavors.

Synonyms
Metalkonium chloride
100-95-8
Straminol
Dodecarbonium chloride
Hydramon
Dodecarbonium
Nopcoccide
Quartholite
Quartolan
Urolocide
Chlorure de metalkonium
Metalkonii chloridum
Theotex
Cloruruo de metalconio
Metalkonium chloride [INN]
Caswell No. 083D
Metalkonii chloridum [INN-Latin]
UNII-IM6BZ8F57J
EINECS 202-904-2
IM6BZ8F57J
Chlorure de metalkonium [INN-French]
Cloruruo de metalconio [INN-Spanish]
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 069159
cloruro de metalconio
Dodecylcarbamylmethylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride
Dimethylamino acetic acid dodecylamide chlorobenzylate
Benzyl((dodecylcarbamoyl)methyl)dimethylammonium chloride
Benzyl (dodecylcarbamoylmethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride
N-Dimethyl-N-benzyl-N-chloro-N'-dodecylglycinamide
N-Dodecyl-N',N'-dimethylaminoacetamide benzochloride
DTXSID20878647
DODECARBONIUM CHLORIDE [MI]
N-(2-(Dodecylamino)-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethylbenzenemethanaminium chloride
Benzenemethanaminium, N-(2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, chloride
METALKONIUM CHLORIDE [MART.]
Benzyl(2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxoethyl)dimethylammonium chloride
Benzyl[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxoethyl]dimethylammonium chloride
benzyl-[2-(dodecylamino)-2-oxoethyl]-dimethylazanium;chloride
AMMONIUM, BENZYL((DODECYLCARBAMOYL)METHYL)DIMETHYL-, CHLORIDE
Benzenemethanaminium, N-(2-dodecylamino)-2-(oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, chloride
Metalkonii chloridum (INN-Latin)
BENZYL DODECYLCARBAMOYLMETHYL DIMETHYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE
METALKONIUM CHLORIDE (MART.)
Chlorure de metalkonium (INN-French)
Cloruruo de metalconio (INN-Spanish)
metalconio cloruro
SCHEMBL942445
CHEMBL2106800
DTXCID901016689
NS00041316
dimethylaminoacetic acid dodecylamide chlorobenzylate
Q27280788
N-Benzyl-2-(dodecylamino)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoethanaminium chloride
N-Benzyl-2-(dodecylamino)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoethanaminiumchloride
Benzenemethanaminium, N-(2-dodecylamino)-2-(oxoethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, chloride (9CI)
202-904-2