BKC (Benzalkonium Chloride)

50% & 80% Concentration — Bulk supply across India & International Markets

What is BKC (Benzalkonium Chloride)?

BKC (Benzalkonium Chloride) is a quaternary ammonium compound (quat) widely used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and disinfectant agent. It is a cationic surfactant that disrupts microbial cell membranes, providing effective antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. BKC is supplied as an aqueous solution at varying active concentrations, with 50% and 80% being among the most common commercial grades used as concentrates for dilution into finished disinfectant and sanitiser products.

Polychem Industries supplies BKC in both 50% and 80% active concentrations to disinfectant manufacturers, sanitiser producers, agricultural companies, and water treatment facilities across India and internationally. Its proven antimicrobial efficacy, combined with good stability and compatibility with various formulation types, makes it one of the most widely used active ingredients in the global disinfectant and sanitation industry.

Available Grades

GradeFormPurityStandardApplications
BKC 50% (Technical/Industrial Grade)Colourless to pale yellow liquid50% active / 80% active (w/w)Industrial / DisinfectantSurface disinfectants, sanitisers, agriculture, water treatment
BKC 80% (Concentrate Grade)Colourless to pale yellow viscous liquid80% activeIndustrial / DisinfectantConcentrated disinfectant formulations, dilution-ready stock

Applications & Uses

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Hand Sanitisers & Surface Disinfectants

One of the most significant applications. BKC is used as the active antimicrobial ingredient in hand sanitisers, surface disinfectant sprays, and wipes, providing effective broad-spectrum antimicrobial action against bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses.

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Healthcare & Institutional Disinfection

Used in hospital-grade disinfectants and institutional cleaning products for disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and instruments in healthcare, hospitality, and food service environments where stringent hygiene standards are required.

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Agricultural & Veterinary Applications

Used as a disinfectant in agricultural settings including livestock facilities, poultry housing, and farm equipment sanitation, helping control pathogen spread and maintain biosecurity in animal production environments.

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Water Treatment

Used as a biocide in certain water treatment applications including cooling tower water treatment and other industrial water systems to control microbial growth and biofilm formation.

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Household & Institutional Cleaning Products

Used as the active disinfecting ingredient in household and institutional hard-surface cleaners, toilet cleaners, and multi-purpose disinfectant cleaning products.

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Swimming Pool & Recreational Water

Used in certain recreational water treatment applications as an algaecide and biocide, helping control microbial and algal growth in swimming pools and other recreational water facilities.

Technical Specifications

BKC (Benzalkonium Chloride) — Key Properties

Chemical FormulaC6H5CH2N(CH3)2RCl (R = C8–C18 alkyl)
CAS Number63449-41-2 / 8001-54-5
Molecular WeightVariable (mixture of alkyl chain lengths)
AppearanceColourless to pale yellow viscous liquid
Purity50% active / 80% active (w/w)
FormAqueous solution
Density0.98–1.02 g/cm3 (concentration dependent)
pH6.0 – 8.0 (as supplied)
Packaging Available25 kg / 50 kg HDPE drums / 200 L drums
StorageStore in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in tightly sealed containers. Avoid contact with anionic surfactants and strong oxidisers.

Why Source BKC (Benzalkonium Chloride) from Polychem Industries?

  • Both BKC 50% and BKC 80% available to suit formulation requirements
  • Certificate of Analysis available on request
  • Broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, fungi and viruses
  • Reliable bulk supply for disinfectant and sanitiser manufacturers
  • Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
  • Export documentation experience for international shipments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BKC 50% and BKC 80%?
BKC 50% and BKC 80% refer to the active ingredient concentration in the supplied liquid — 50% or 80% Benzalkonium Chloride by weight, with the balance being water and stabilising components. BKC 80% is a more concentrated form requiring greater dilution to reach the same final use concentration, and is often preferred by larger-scale formulators for transport efficiency, while BKC 50% may be more convenient for smaller-batch dilution and direct formulation use.
How is BKC diluted for use in sanitiser and disinfectant formulations?
BKC concentrate is diluted with water (and other formulation ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance, or thickeners) to achieve the target active concentration specified for the intended application, which typically ranges from 0.05% to 0.5% active BKC in the finished product depending on the specific use case and required efficacy claims. We recommend following appropriate regulatory and efficacy testing guidelines for your specific formulation.
Is BKC compatible with all surfactants and cleaning ingredients?
BKC, being a cationic surfactant, is generally incompatible with anionic surfactants (such as many common soap and detergent ingredients), as combining them can neutralise the antimicrobial activity of BKC and cause precipitation. It is generally compatible with non-ionic surfactants and other cationic ingredients. Compatibility testing is recommended before finalising any new formulation.
Do you export BKC outside India?
Yes. We export to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and South Africa with full export documentation. Contact us for export pricing and lead times.

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