Benzalkonium (chloride) (51% in water)  (Synonyms: Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride)

Benzalkonium (Alkyldimethylbenzylammonium) chloride (51% in water) is a potent anti-microbial agent, used as a preservative in eye drops.

Benzalkonium chloride (0.0001%-0.5%) results in a dose-dependent cytotoxicity in cells. Benzalkonium chloride also shows cytotoxicity against human keratinocytes, with 50% loss of viability of 4 μM. Benzalkonium chloride shows different results in NHEK and NB1RGB cell cultures, and the ED₅₀ of 3.9 and 62 μM, respectively. The clinically used concentration (0.01% Benzalkonium chloride) significantly reduces cell viability, with only 14%-19% of nasal epithelial cells surviving the treatment^[1].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Benzalkonium chloride (0.02%) causes no abnormalities in the nasal epithelium of the monkeys after light and electron microscopical examination. In 4-5 week-old SD rats, 0.01% and 0.1% Benzalkonium chloride induce a time-dependent increase in the thickness of the nasal respiratory epithelium^[1].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

283.88-424.15

C₆H₅CH₂N(CH₃)2RCl (R=C₈H₁₇ to C₁₈H₃₇)

8001-54-5

Liquid

Colorless to light yellow

C[N+](C[(CH2)nCH3])(C)CC1=CC=CC=C1.[Cl-].[n=].[6 -16]

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

Solution, -20°C, 2 years

• [1]. Johnson NF. Pulmonary Toxicity of Benzalkonium Chloride. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv. 2017 Jul 6.  [Content Brief]