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Chloramine-B (CAS 127-52-6) Disinfectant: A Complete Technical, Safety, and Application Guide
1. What Is Chloramine-B?
Chloramine-B is the common trade name for sodium N-chlorobenzenesulfonamide, an organic N-chloro compound in which a chlorine atom is covalently bonded to the nitrogen atom of a benzenesulfonamide group. It belongs to the same functional family as Chloramine-T (the para-toluene analogue) and is registered under CAS No. 127-52-6. Commercially, it is supplied as a white to slightly off-white crystalline powder that dissolves in water to release hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in a controlled, slow-release manner, giving it a gentler and more stable disinfection profile than free chlorine sources such as sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite.
Because the chlorine is bound in an organic matrix rather than existing as free chlorine gas or hypochlorite ion, Chloramine-B solutions are generally less corrosive to metals and less irritating at equivalent active chlorine loadings, while still delivering broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, many viruses, and fungi. This combination of stability, moderate reactivity, and ease of transport/storage is why it remains a standard reference disinfectant in drinking-water treatment, food-contact surface sanitation, aquaculture, veterinary hygiene, and analytical chemistry.
2. Chemical Identity & Nomenclature
Chloramine-B is known under a range of synonyms across regulatory databases, safety sheets, and regional trade literature. The table below consolidates the identifiers most frequently required in procurement, customs, and SDS documentation.
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Product / trade name | Chloramine-B |
| IUPAC-style name | Sodium N-chlorobenzenesulfonamide (trihydrate common commercial grade) |
| CAS Registry Number | 127-52-6 |
| EC / EINECS Number | 204-847-9 |
| Molecular formula (anhydrous) | C₆H₅ClNNaO₂S |
| Molecular weight (anhydrous) | ≈ 213.62 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 4347343 |
| Common synonyms | Chlordetal; Chlorogen; Neomagnol; Benzenesulfochloramide sodium; N-Chlorobenzenesulfonamide sodium salt; Sodium benzenesulfonchloramide |
3. Physicochemical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Physical form | White to pale-yellow crystalline powder, faint chlorine odor |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol |
| Solution pH (aqueous, as prepared) | Approximately 9–11 (mildly alkaline) |
| Melting/decomposition point | Approximately 170–173 °C (decomposes) |
| Active (available) chlorine content | Typically 26–28% by mass, min. 27% on commercial-grade product |
| Storage stability | Reported active-chlorine loss of roughly 0.1% per year when kept sealed, cool, and dry |
| Corrosivity vs. hypochlorite | Lower; considered suitable for metal, enamel, and polymer surfaces at recommended dilution |
| Reactivity class | Oxidizer; incompatible with strong reducing agents, ammonia, and combustible organics |
Note: values summarize typical technical/commercial-grade material and published reference data (seeReferences). Confirm exact figures against the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis and SDS before formulation or regulatory filing.
4. Commercial Specification Table
Industrial and municipal buyers typically qualify Chloramine-B against a standard set of quality-control checkpoints. A representative commercial specification is shown below; request the current, lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for any purchasing decision.
| Check Point | Unit | Typical Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | — | White crystalline powder |
| Assay / Purity | % min | 99 |
| Available (active) chlorine | % min | 27 |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | — | 9–11 |
| Iron (Fe) | ppm max | 10 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ppm max | 10 |
5. Mechanism of Disinfection
Chloramine-B's biocidal activity centers on the N–Cl bond. When the compound dissolves in water, this bond undergoes controlled hydrolysis, gradually releasing hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and the parent benzenesulfonamide anion. HOCl is the same active oxidizing species responsible for the germicidal effect of conventional chlorine disinfectants; it penetrates microbial cell walls, oxidizes structural and enzymatic proteins, and disrupts membrane transport and metabolic function, leading to cell inactivation.
The key functional difference from free-chlorine sources is release rate. Because the chlorine is held in a stabilized organic form rather than existing as free hypochlorite ion in solution, hydrolysis proceeds more slowly under the mildly alkaline conditions typical of a freshly prepared solution. This produces two practical effects that matter for engineering and procurement decisions:
- A more gradual, sustained oxidative action rather than an immediate chlorine burst, which can extend residual disinfection capacity as treated water or a treated surface remains in contact with pathogens.
- Reduced side-reactivity with organic matter at the point of dosing, which is relevant to minimizing certain regulated disinfection by-products compared with faster-reacting free chlorine.
This slow-release chemistry is the reason Chloramine-B is frequently selected for applications where a longer-acting, lower-irritancy chlorine source is preferred over sodium hypochlorite — for example, closed water storage systems, food-contact utensil sanitation, and general surface disinfection in healthcare and veterinary settings.
6. Chloramine-B vs. Other Chlorine-Based Disinfectants
| Attribute | Chloramine-B (CAS 127-52-6) | Sodium Hypochlorite | Chloramine-T (CAS 7080-50-4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine release | Slow, controlled hydrolysis | Rapid, immediate | Slow, controlled hydrolysis |
| Storage stability | High (solid, long shelf life) | Lower (degrades faster, especially with heat/light) | High (solid, long shelf life) |
| Corrosivity to metals | Lower | Higher | Lower |
| Active chlorine (typical) | 26–28% | 10–15% (liquid, varies) | 24–26% |
| Aromatic substituent | Benzene ring (unsubstituted) | Not applicable | Toluene ring (para-methyl substituted) |
| Typical form | Crystalline powder | Aqueous solution | Crystalline powder |
This comparison is intended for general technical orientation. Suitability for a specific application depends on local regulatory approval, water chemistry, material compatibility testing, and the target pathogen profile.
7. Applications by Industry
| Industry / Setting | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|
| Municipal & drinking water | Disinfection of storage containers, tanks, and treated water for microbial control |
| Food service & food processing | Sanitation of tableware, food-contact utensils, and washing of fruits and vegetables at low dilution |
| Aquaculture | Disinfection of pond and tank water, equipment, and rearing systems |
| Veterinary & livestock hygiene | Udder and milking-equipment sanitation, general livestock facility hygiene |
| Healthcare & laboratories | Surface and instrument disinfection; enamel/metal equipment sanitation |
| Analytical & synthetic chemistry | Reference oxidant for iodometric/amperometric titration of available chlorine; chlorinating and oxidizing reagent in organic synthesis |
8. Typical Use Concentrations
The figures below are widely cited general reference ranges from industry and technical literature. They areillustrative only — actual dosing must follow the product label, the applicable national biocide/food-contact/drug regulation, and site-specific validation (contact time, water quality, temperature, and organic load all affect required concentration).
| Application | Commonly Referenced Concentration |
|---|---|
| Fruit & vegetable rinse | Approx. 5 ppm available chlorine |
| Enamel/metal instrument disinfection | Approx. 1% solution |
| General surface/utensil sanitation | Site-validated; follow label and local health authority guidance |
9. Safety, Handling & Storage
Chloramine-B is classified as an oxidizer and is corrosive/irritating in concentrated form. Reference hazard literature (see References) notes it can cause damage to skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract on direct or prolonged exposure, and may cause respiratory sensitization or, in cases of significant overexposure, methemoglobinemia. At properly diluted, labeled-use concentrations it is considered safe for its intended applications, but concentrated powder and stock solutions must be handled with appropriate controls.
| Category | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Personal protective equipment | Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles/face shield, and respiratory protection appropriate to airborne concentration when handling concentrate or powder |
| Storage conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; sealed original packaging; protect from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture |
| Incompatible materials | Strong acids, ammonia and ammonium compounds, strong reducing agents, combustible/organic materials |
| Spill/disposal | Follow SDS spill-response instructions and local hazardous-waste regulations; do not co-mingle with incompatible waste streams |
| Shelf life (sealed) | Commonly cited as approximately 2 years under proper storage; verify against the specific product's CoA |
This section is a general technical summary, not a Safety Data Sheet. Always obtain, read, and follow the current SDS for the specific product lot before handling, storage, transport, or disposal.
10. Regulatory & Quality Documentation
Buyers evaluating Chloramine-B for water treatment, food-contact, medical, or export use should request the following documentation as standard due diligence:
- Current Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) in the destination market's required language and format
- Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) covering assay, active chlorine, pH, iron, and heavy metals
- Applicable biocide, food-contact, or pharmaceutical-grade registration documents for the country of use
- Packaging, labeling, and UN transport classification documentation for the relevant mode of shipment
Regulatory status varies by country and by application (drinking water vs. food-contact vs. general surface disinfectant vs. laboratory reagent), so approval should always be confirmed against current national or regional regulation rather than assumed from general technical literature.
11. About [Your Company Name]
[Your Company Name] manufactures/supplies Chloramine-B (CAS 127-52-6) and related chlorinated sulfonamide disinfectants for water treatment, food safety, aquaculture, veterinary, and industrial sanitation customers.Replace this paragraph with your organization's specific manufacturing capacity, quality certifications (e.g., ISO, GMP), years of operating history, production location, and export markets — concrete, verifiable operational details are what strengthen Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust (E-E-A-T) signals for this page.
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal company name | [Insert legal registered name] |
| Years in operation | [Insert founding year / years of experience] |
| Quality certifications | [Insert ISO/GMP/other certifications actually held] |
| Production capacity | [Insert verifiable production figures] |
| Contact | [Insert phone / email / address] |
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chloramine-B the same as Chloramine-T?
No. Both are N-chloro sulfonamide disinfectants with a similar mechanism, but Chloramine-B (CAS 127-52-6) is based on an unsubstituted benzene ring, while Chloramine-T (CAS 7080-50-4) carries a para-methyl (toluene) substituent. They differ slightly in molecular weight, active chlorine content, and some regional regulatory listings.
Why is Chloramine-B considered "safer" than sodium hypochlorite?
Its chlorine is chemically bound rather than free in solution, so it hydrolyzes and releases hypochlorous acid more gradually. This generally results in lower corrosivity toward metals and less immediate irritancy at comparable active-chlorine dosing — though it is still an oxidizing, corrosive substance that requires standard chemical safety precautions.
What is the correct storage life of Chloramine-B powder?
Reference literature commonly cites a shelf life of about two years, with active chlorine loss as low as roughly 0.1% per year when the product is kept sealed in a cool, dry location away from light. Always confirm against the specific product's Certificate of Analysis and expiry date.
Can Chloramine-B be used directly on food?
Only at validated, regulator-approved dilutions and only where local food-safety regulation permits its use as a food-contact or produce-wash disinfectant. Concentration, contact time, and rinse requirements must follow the applicable national food-safety authority guidance.
