Benzalkonium chloride is a .

Options

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

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Compound:**
- Benzalkonium chloride is a chemical compound that is commonly used in various applications, particularly in disinfectants and antiseptics.

2. **Determine the Structure:**
- Benzalkonium chloride has a structure that includes a benzene ring, a long alkyl chain (specifically, a long carbon chain), and a quaternary ammonium group. The presence of the nitrogen atom in the ammonium group indicates that it is a cationic compound.

3. **Classify the Type of Surfactant:**
- Surfactants can be classified into three categories based on their charge: cationic, anionic, and non-ionic. Benzalkonium chloride falls under the category of cationic surfactants due to the presence of a positively charged nitrogen atom.

4. **Identify its Uses:**
- Benzalkonium chloride is widely used as an antiseptic due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. It is effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it suitable for use in disinfectants and antiseptic solutions.

5. **Evaluate the Given Options:**
- The options provided are:
a) Cationic surfactant and antiseptic
b) Anionic surfactant and soluble in most organic solvents
c) Cationic surfactant and insoluble in most organic solvents
d) Cationic surfactant and anti-malarial
- Based on the classification and uses, the correct answer is option (a): Cationic surfactant and antiseptic.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, benzalkonium chloride is best described as a cationic surfactant and antiseptic.

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