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Benzalkonium chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
C23H42ClN
CAS number
8001-54-5
IUPAC name
benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecyl-ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, benzalkonium chloride typically is found in a liquid state, especially when included in solution form. As a pure solid, it is a soft, waxy material.

Melting point (Celsius)
-77.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
196.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
100.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
373.15
General information
Molecular weight
339.03g/mol
Molar mass
339.0300g/mol
Density
0.9830g/cm3
Appearence

Benzalkonium chloride typically appears as a white or yellowish-white powder. It can also be found as a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution when dissolved in water or alcohol. The compound is often used in aqueous solutions, which are clear and colorless.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Benzyl-Dimethyl-Tetradecyl-Ammonium

Benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecyl-ammonium, often referred to as a quaternary ammonium compound, presents interesting solubility characteristics. Its solubility can be evaluated based on several factors:

  • Hydrophobic Tail: The tetradecyl group contributes significantly to the hydrophobic nature of the molecule, making the compound less soluble in polar solvents like water.
  • Polar Head Group: The presence of the ammonium group provides a polar characteristic that can enhance solubility in polar solvents to some extent.
  • Solvent Interaction: Commonly, this compound is more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol or chloroform due to the hydrophobic interactions dominating in these environments.
  • Concentration Dependency: At higher concentrations, the solubility may be affected by aggregation behavior, often leading to the formation of micelles.

In summary, while benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecyl-ammonium shows limited solubility in water, its ability to dissolve in various organic solvents makes it versatile for numerous applications. As a rule of thumb, the balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics is key in determining its solubility profile.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Benzyl-Dimethyl-Tetradecyl-Ammonium

Benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecyl-ammonium is a fascinating compound belonging to the class of quaternary ammonium salts. This compound is particularly interesting due to its unique properties and applications in various fields. Here are some notable facts:

  • Surface Activity: As a quaternary ammonium compound, it exhibits excellent surfactant properties, making it effective in reducing surface tension in liquids. This property is invaluable in formulations such as detergents and emulsifiers.
  • Antimicrobial Properties: Benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecyl-ammonium has been recognized for its ability to act as an antimicrobial agent. This makes it useful in disinfectants and sanitizing products, playing a significant role in infection control.
  • Ion Exchange Behavior: This compound can function in ion exchange processes, which are essential in various chemical reactions and applications, including water purification and soil conditioning.
  • Biocompatibility: Research into the biocompatibility of this compound suggests potential applications in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, contributing to advancements in medical technology.

In the words of chemist William H. Bragg, "Great discoveries are made by following two kinds of stupidity: the first is to think you know something; the second is to think you don’t need to find out." This quote resonates well with the study of complex compounds like benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecyl-ammonium, reminding us of the continuous quest for knowledge in the diverse and dynamic field of chemistry.

Overall, the unique characteristics and applications of benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecyl-ammonium make it an intriguing subject for further research, inviting exploration and discovery in both academic and industrial settings.

Synonyms
Benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium
Myristalkonium
Zephiramine ion
Zephiramine cation
Zephiramine
16287-71-1
Myristalkonium ion
Myristalkonium cation
Myristyl-benzalkonium
benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecylazanium
MIRISTALKONIUM
5285-67-6
I5M8YK41GK
tetradecylbenzyldimethylammonium
Ammonium, benzyldimethyltetradecyl-
Benzenemethanaminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-tetradecyl-
CHEMBL112719
BDTA
UNII-I5M8YK41GK
Tetradecyldimethylbenzammonium
Benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium ion
N,N-Dimethyl-N-tetradecylbenzenemethanaminium
SCHEMBL176504
MIRISTALKONIUM [WHO-DD]
CHEMBL1180074
DTXSID3048360
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE C14
WNBGYVXHFTYOBY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
EINECS 226-123-1
BDBM50147575
DB13774
NCGC00187943-01
N-Benzyl-N,N-dimethyltetradecan-1-aminium
Benzyl-dimethyl-tetradecyl-ammonium; bromide
NS00005741
Q27280476
Benzyldimethyl(tetradecyl)ammonium chloroiodoiodate(1-)
InChI=1/C23H42N/c1-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-18-21-24(2,3)22-23-19-16-15-17-20-23/h15-17,19-20H,4-14,18,21-22H2,1-3H3/q+