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Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are a variety of engineered polymer forms which provide multiple quat molecules within a larger molecule.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are used in consumer applications including as antimicrobials (such as detergents and disinfectants), fabric softeners, and hair conditioners.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds tend to be gentler on surfaces than bleach-based disinfectants, and are generally fabric-safe.
CAS Number: 61789-71-7
EINECS Number: 263-080-8
Synonyms: Quaternary ammonium compounds, benzylcoco alkyldimethyl, chlorides;Cocoalkyldimethylbenzylammoniumchloride;C8-18ALKYLDIMETHYLBENZYLAMMONIUMCHLORIDE;ALKYL(C8-C18)DIMETHYLBENZYLAMMONIUMCHLORIDE;Quaternare Ammoniumverbindungen, Benzyl-kokos-alkyldimethyl-, Chloride;N-Alkyl-N-benzylcoco-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride;BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE SOLID;Stepanquat 8358
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds, also known as quats, are positively-charged polyatomic ions of the structure [NR4]+, where R is an alkyl group, an aryl group or organyl group.
Unlike the ammonium ion (NH+4) and the primary, secondary, or tertiary ammonium cations, the quaternary ammonium cations are permanently charged, independent of the pH of their solution.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds salts or quaternary ammonium compounds (called quaternary amines in oilfield parlance) are salts of quaternary ammonium cations.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds is under investigation as a treatment for numerous conditions, including neuropathy, depression, and dementia.
As an antimicrobial, they are able to inactivate enveloped viruses (such as SARS-CoV-2).
An acetylated form of the amino acid derivative L-carnitine that assists in mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are a class of chemical substances in which a central nitrogen atom is covalently bonded to four organic groups, typically alkyl or aryl groups, and carries a permanent positive charge, making them cationic surfactants with both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties.
Because of this structure, QACs are highly effective at disrupting microbial cell membranes, which makes them widely used as disinfectants, antiseptics, and sanitizing agents in healthcare, food processing, and household environments.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are stable over a wide range of temperatures and pH levels, and their cationic nature allows them to interact strongly with negatively charged surfaces, including microbial cell walls, fabrics, and hair fibers.
This property makes them not only powerful antimicrobial agents but also effective fabric softeners, antistatic agents, and conditioners in personal care products, where they help reduce friction, improve texture, and provide a smooth, silky feel.
A non-depolarizing skeletal muscle relaxant similar to tubocurarine.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds is used as an anesthesia adjuvant.
A cholinesterase inhibitor that targets both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors indicated for the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are prepared by the alkylation of tertiary amine.
Industrial production of commodity quat salts usually involves hydrogenation of fatty nitriles, which can generate primary or secondary amines.
These amines are then treated with methyl chloride.
The quaternization of alkyl amines by alkyl halides is widely documented.
In older literature this is often called a Menshutkin reaction, however modern chemists usually refer to it simply as quaternization.
The reaction can be used to produce a compound with unequal alkyl chain lengths; for example when making cationic surfactants one of the alkyl groups on the amine is typically longer than the others.
A typical synthesis is for benzalkonium chloride from a long-chain alkyldimethylamine and benzyl chloride: CH3(CH2)nN(CH3)2 + ClCH2C6H5 → [CH3(CH2)nN(CH3)2CH2C6H5]+Cl−
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are a kind of widely used cationic surfactants.
They are formed by the substitution of hydrogen atoms of ammonium groups by alkanes or aromatic hydrocarbon groups.
The general formula is (R4N+) X-, where R is a hydrocarbon group or a phenyl group, and X- is a halogen ion such as Cl-, Br- and so on.
The properties of Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are determined by the structure and properties of their substituted R groups, which can be divided into four categories, namely, alkyltrimethylammonium compounds (ATMACs) and dialkyldimethlammonium compounds (DADMACs), benzylalkyldimethylammonium compounds (BACs) and heterocyclic ammonium compounds (HACs).
Generally speaking, the longer the carbon chain contained in QACs substituted for the R group, the weaker its water solubility and polarity, and the stronger its non-polarity. When the chain of the same length is contained, QACs without phenyl are more polar than those with phenyl.
In the 1950s, distearyldimethylammonium chloride (DHTDMAC), was introduced as a fabric softener.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds was discontinued because the cation biodegrades too slowly.
Contemporary fabric softeners are based on salts of quaternary ammonium cations where the fatty acid is linked to the quaternary center via ester linkages; these are commonly referred to as betaine-esters or ester-quats and are susceptible to degradation, e.g., by hydrolysis.
Characteristically, the cations contain one or two long alkyl chains derived from fatty acids linked to an ethoxylated ammonium salt.
Other cationic compounds can be derived from imidazolium, guanidinium, substituted amine salts, or quaternary alkoxy ammonium salts.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are a type of chemical that is used to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold.
There are many different types of QACs.
They are often found in disinfectants and in cleaning products that are used in places such as hospitals, day care centers, restaurants, and homes.
Quaternary ammonium cations are unreactive toward even strong electrophiles, oxidants, and acids.
They also are stable toward most nucleophiles.
The latter is indicated by the stability of the hydroxide salts such as tetramethylammonium hydroxide and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide even at elevated temperatures.
The halflife of Me4NOH in 6M NaOH at 160 °C is >61 h.
Because of their resilience, many unusual anions have been isolated as the quaternary ammonium salts.
Examples include tetramethylammonium pentafluoroxenate, containing the highly reactive pentafluoroxenate (XeF−5) ion.
Permanganate can be solubilized in organic solvents, when deployed as its NBu+4 salt.
With exceptionally strong bases, quat cations degrade.
They undergo Sommelet–Hauser rearrangement and Stevens rearrangement, as well as dealkylation under harsh conditions or in presence of strong nucleophiles, like thiolates.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds cations containing N−C−C−H units can also undergo the Hofmann elimination and Emde degradation.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds have antimicrobial activity.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds, especially those containing long alkyl chains, are used as antimicrobials and disinfectants.
Examples are benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, cetrimonium, cetrimide, dofanium chloride, tetraethylammonium bromide, didecyldimethylammonium chloride and domiphen bromide.
Also good against fungi, amoebas, and enveloped viruses (such as SARS-CoV-2), most quaternary ammonium compounds are believed to act by disrupting the cell membrane or viral envelope.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are lethal to a wide variety of organisms except endospores and non-enveloped viruses, both having no accessible membrane coat to attack.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds is possible to solve the endospore problem by adding chemicals which force them to germinate.
They have reduced efficacy against gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, and bacteria in biofilms due to them having additional layers that need to be penetrated or disrupted.
Some bacteria such as MRSA have acquired resistance genes, qacA/B and qacC/D, that pump the cation out of the cell.
Several quaternary ammonium derivatives exist in nature.
Prominent examples include glycine betaine, choline, carnitine, butyrobetaine, homarine, and trigonelline.
Glycine betaine, an osmolyte, stabilizes osmotic pressure in cells.
Quaternary ammonium compounds can display a range of health effects, amongst which are mild skin and respiratory irritation up to severe caustic burns on skin and the gastrointestinal wall (depending on concentration), gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea and vomiting), coma, convulsions, hypotension and death.
They are thought to be the chemical group responsible for anaphylactic reactions that occur with use of neuromuscular blocking drugs during general anaesthesia in surgery.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds is the single most often found cause of allergic contact dermatitis of the hands (16.5% in 959 cases).
In industrial and medical applications, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are valued for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes effectiveness against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, some viruses, and fungi, although their activity can be reduced in the presence of organic matter or hard water.
In personal care and cosmetic formulations, such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and creams, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds act as emulsifiers and conditioning agents that stabilize oil-water mixtures and leave a protective coating on skin or hair, enhancing moisture retention and surface smoothness.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds are also utilized in water treatment, surface sanitizers, and disinfectant wipes, where their cationic charge allows them to adhere to surfaces and remain active for extended periods, providing a residual antimicrobial effect.
Additionally, certain QACs are used in industrial lubricants, fabric finishing, and corrosion inhibitors, leveraging their surfactant properties to reduce friction, prevent microbial growth, and protect metal surfaces.
Uses Of Quartenary Ammonium Compounds:
Quaternary ammonium salts are used as disinfectants, surfactants, fabric softeners, and as antistatic agents (e.g. in shampoos).
In liquid fabric softeners, the chloride salts are often used.
In dryer anticling strips, the sulfate salts are often used.
Older aluminium electrolytic capacitors and spermicidal jellies also contain quaternary ammonium salts.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are also used in contraception formulations, veterinary products, diagnostic testing, vaccine production, and nasal formulations.
Concerns have been raised about the level of understanding of safety profile of quat disinfectants on people.
As of August 2020, half of disinfectants the United States Environmental Protection Agency suggested as effective against COVID-19 contained one of the quats, and often a quat as the sole ingredient.
Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 exposed to quats have developed cross resistance to antibiotics.
A subject of concern is the potential effect of increased use of quats related to COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic resistance in a larger microbial community in nature and engineered environment.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds have a wide range of uses across multiple industries due to their cationic surfactant properties, antimicrobial activity, and ability to interact with negatively charged surfaces, making them versatile and highly functional chemicals.
One of the primary uses of Quartenary Ammonium Compounds is in disinfection and sanitization, where they are formulated into surface cleaners, hospital disinfectants, and hand sanitizers to effectively destroy bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses, thereby reducing the risk of infection in healthcare settings, food processing facilities, and public spaces.
Their antimicrobial action is particularly valuable in environments that require continuous surface protection, as Quartenary Ammonium Compounds can provide a residual disinfectant effect, adhering to surfaces and maintaining microbicidal activity over time.
In the personal care and cosmetic industry, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are extensively used as conditioning agents, fabric softeners, and antistatic compounds in products such as shampoos, hair conditioners, lotions, creams, and baby care formulations.
In these applications, QACs coat hair or skin fibers with a thin protective layer, improving smoothness, reducing tangling, enhancing shine, and maintaining moisture retention, while also stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions in formulations, ensuring consistent texture and performance.
In textile and laundry applications, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds function as softening agents and antistatic treatments, helping to reduce friction between fibers, prevent static build-up, and impart a soft hand feel to fabrics after washing or processing.
Similarly, in industrial water treatment and cooling systems, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are employed to control microbial growth, prevent biofilm formation, and inhibit the proliferation of algae, fungi, and bacteria, which protects equipment from corrosion and maintains operational efficiency.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are also utilized in agricultural and veterinary products, where they serve as disinfectants for animal housing, equipment, and irrigation systems, reducing the spread of pathogenic microorganisms among livestock and crops.
In addition, certain Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are used as preservatives in paints, coatings, and industrial lubricants, where their antimicrobial properties prevent microbial degradation and extend the shelf life of products.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds span healthcare, personal care, household, industrial, textile, agricultural, and veterinary applications, leveraging their antimicrobial, surfactant, emulsifying, conditioning, and antistatic properties to maintain hygiene, improve product performance, and protect both humans and materials from microbial contamination.
In hospital and healthcare environments, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are frequently incorporated into surface disinfectants, floor cleaners, and instrument wipes, where their strong cationic nature allows them to bind to microbial cell membranes, disrupt their structure, and inactivate pathogens, thereby helping to prevent hospital-acquired infections and maintain sterile conditions in operating rooms, patient wards, and laboratories.
Their residual antimicrobial effect also ensures that treated surfaces remain protected for extended periods, which is particularly important in high-touch areas such as bed rails, door handles, and medical equipment.
In food processing and handling industries, QACs are used in sanitizing solutions, conveyor belt cleaners, and equipment sprays to reduce bacterial and fungal contamination on surfaces that come into contact with food products.
By adhering to surfaces and remaining active for some time, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds help to maintain hygiene standards, minimize spoilage, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations, which is critical in preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
In household cleaning products, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are common ingredients in multi-surface cleaners, bathroom sprays, disinfecting wipes, and laundry sanitizers, where they provide both immediate antimicrobial activity and a prolonged protective layer, contributing to safer living environments by reducing the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms.
In textile and laundry applications, Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are used to soften fabrics, reduce static electricity, and prevent microbial odor formation, which improves the comfort and durability of clothing, bedding, and upholstery.
Their antistatic and conditioning effects are particularly valuable in synthetic fibers, where static buildup is more pronounced, and in garments or linens that are frequently handled or laundered.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are incorporated into cooling tower treatments, industrial water systems, paints, coatings, and lubricants, where their antimicrobial properties prevent biofilm formation, inhibit corrosion, and extend the functional lifespan of equipment and products.
Their ability to act as emulsifiers, surfactants, and preservatives makes them versatile chemicals that contribute to operational efficiency and product longevity.
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds are extensive and multifaceted, ranging from hygiene and infection control in healthcare and food industries to personal care, household cleaning, textile treatment, agricultural sanitation, and industrial preservation, all of which exploit their cationic surfactant nature, antimicrobial potency, emulsifying capacity, and conditioning effects to achieve practical and protective benefits across a wide spectrum of applications.
Safety Profile Of Quartenary Ammonium Compounds:
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds, despite their widespread usefulness in healthcare, personal care, industrial, and household applications, carry several potential hazards and safety concerns that must be carefully considered.
One of the primary risks associated with QACs is their irritant effect on skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, particularly in concentrated forms.
Direct contact can cause redness, itching, or dermatitis, while accidental splashes in the eyes may result in pain, tearing, or more serious ocular damage.
Inhalation of QAC-containing sprays or aerosols can irritate the mucous membranes and respiratory passages, potentially leading to coughing, shortness of breath, or in severe cases, chemical pneumonitis.
Another hazard is the potential for toxicity if ingested, which can occur accidentally in households or industrial settings.
Ingested Quartenary Ammonium Compounds may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, and in high doses, they can affect the nervous system or cardiovascular system, highlighting the importance of keeping these compounds out of reach of children and pets.
Certain Quartenary Ammonium Compounds can also cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing dermatological conditions, and repeated exposure may lead to sensitization, making future contact more likely to trigger irritation or allergic dermatitis.
