N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12-C18)

N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (C12–C18), also known as ADBAC or benzalkonium chloride with C12 to C18 alkyl chains, is a quaternary ammonium compound widely used as a disinfectant and antimicrobial agent. It acts primarily by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms—its cationic surfactant structure binds to and destabilizes lipid bilayers in bacterial and fungal cells—leading to leakage of cellular contents and cell death. Its biocidal activity is chain-length dependent; derivatives with C12 and C14 chains are particularly effective against bacteria and fungi. This compound is found in surface disinfectants for healthcare settings, food processing environments, household cleaning products such as wipes and sprays, as well as some personal care items like hand sanitizers. It is active against a broad spectrum of bacteria (especially gram-positive), some viruses and fungi but not bacterial spores[2][4][5][6].

Brand names

Devolver Disinfecting Wipes

Other names

(C12-C18) alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride(C12-C18)alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride(C12-C18)alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloridealkyl(C12-C18)benzyldimethylammonium chlorideC12-18-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloridesC-12-18-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloridesC 12-18-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloridesALKYL(C12-18)DIMETHYLBENZYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDEalkyl (C12–18) benzyl dimethyl ammonium chlorideEINECS 269-919-4EINECS269-919-4EINECS-269-919-4N-ALKYL (C12–C18) DIMETHYL BENZYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDEADBACbenzalkonium chloride with C12 to C18 alkyl chains