BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Benzalkonium chloride is a type of quaternary ammonium compound that is commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is a cationic surfactant and exhibits excellent antimicrobial properties against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Benzalkonium chloride is also known by its chemical formula, C6H5CH2N(CH3)2RCl, where R is a long alkyl chain derived from either coconut oil or dodecylbenzene.
When used as an antiseptic, benzalkonium chloride disrupts the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their destruction. It is used in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, to sterilize medical instruments, sanitize surfaces, and as a preservative in topical medications and ophthalmic solutions. In addition, it is commonly found in household products such as disinfectants, hand sanitizers, mouthwashes, and baby wipes.
Benzalkonium chloride is preferred over other disinfectants due to its stability, long-lasting effect, and lack of irritating or harmful effects on human skin. However, prolonged or excessive exposure to high concentrations of benzalkonium chloride may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Therefore, proper usage and dilution are crucial to ensure safety.
Overall, benzalkonium chloride plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections in various settings due to its excellent antimicrobial activity, making it an important compound in the field of healthcare and disinfection.
Common Misspellings for BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
- venzalkonium chloride
- nenzalkonium chloride
- henzalkonium chloride
- genzalkonium chloride
- bwnzalkonium chloride
- bsnzalkonium chloride
- bdnzalkonium chloride
- brnzalkonium chloride
- b4nzalkonium chloride
- b3nzalkonium chloride
- bebzalkonium chloride
- bemzalkonium chloride
- bejzalkonium chloride
- behzalkonium chloride
- benxalkonium chloride
- bensalkonium chloride
- benaalkonium chloride
- benzzlkonium chloride
- benzslkonium chloride
- benzwlkonium chloride
Etymology of BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
The word "Benzalkonium Chloride" is a chemical compound name composed of two parts: "benzalkonium" and "chloride".
The term "benzalkonium" is derived from the combination of the words "benzyl" and "alkonium". "Benzyl" refers to the benzyl radical, which is a group consisting of a benzene ring bonded to a methyl group (-CH2) replacing one of the hydrogen atoms. The term "alkonium" denotes the presence of an alkyl group. Together, "benzalkonium" signifies the combination of benzyl and alkyl groups.
The term "chloride" refers to the negatively charged ion of chlorine (-Cl). It is derived from the New Latin word "chloridum", which is an alteration of the earlier term "chlorum" derived from the Greek word "khloros", meaning "greenish-yellow".
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