Benzalkonium chloride is a

Options

A. cationic surfactant and antiseptic
B. anionic surfactant and soluble in most of the organic solvents
C. cationic surfactant and insoluble in most of the organic solvents
D. cationic surfactant and antimalarial.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Benzalkonium Chloride**: Benzalkonium chloride is a chemical compound that is widely recognized in various applications, particularly in the fields of medicine and cleaning.

2. **Identifying its Structure**: The structure of benzalkonium chloride includes a benzene ring, a long hydrocarbon chain, and a quaternary ammonium group. This structure contributes to its properties.

3. **Classifying Benzalkonium Chloride**: Based on its structure, benzalkonium chloride is classified as a cationic surfactant. Cationic surfactants are characterized by a positively charged hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail.

4. **Properties of Benzalkonium Chloride**: It possesses antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Antiseptics are used on living tissues, while disinfectants are used on inanimate objects. Benzalkonium chloride is effective in both roles, but typically in different concentrations.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, benzalkonium chloride can be classified as a cationic surfactant and an antiseptic. The correct answer to the question is that benzalkonium chloride is a cationic surfactant and an antiseptic.

**Final Answer**: Benzalkonium chloride is a cationic surfactant and an antiseptic.

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