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The charm of quaternary ammonium: Why have these mysterious compounds become the stars of disinfectants?
As public health concerns increase, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for disinfectants has risen dramatically. In this battle to protect health, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) as a particularly important class of compounds have won wide attention and application. These compounds have become the stars of disinfectants due to their excellent disinfecting properties and versatility.
What is quaternary ammonium?
Quaternary ammonium refers to a class of positively charged polyatomic cations with the chemical structure [NR4]+, where R can be a base, an aromatic group, or other organic groups. Unlike other ammonia compounds, quaternary ammonium is always positively charged, which makes it stable at various pH values. This stability enables it to perform well in a variety of applications.
Quaternary ammonium compounds are a class of chemical substances that are widely used worldwide, especially in disinfectants, softeners and antistatic agents.
Synthesis and reaction
The synthesis of quaternary ammonium is mainly carried out by alkylation of tertiary amines. In addition, quaternary ammonium salts of long-chain alkyl groups, such as benzalkonium chloride, are usually prepared by reacting long-chain alkyl dimethylamine with phenyl chloride. The key to these reactions is to combine alkyl compounds with different chain lengths to give them specific physical and chemical properties.
Application scope of quaternary ammonium
Quaternary ammonium compounds have a wide range of applications, including as disinfectants, surfactants, softeners and antistatic agents. This class of compounds exhibits excellent antimicrobial properties against a variety of pathogens including Salmonella and Escherichia coli.
In disinfectants, quaternary ammonium compounds are effective against enveloped viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.
Health and safety considerations
Despite the many benefits offered by quaternary ammonium compounds, research into their safety and health effects is still ongoing. Some studies have shown that exposure to these compounds may cause mild irritation of the skin and respiratory tract, or even severe burns and internal organ damage at high concentrations. Additionally, they may be associated with fertility problems in some laboratory animals.
It is worth considering that the continued increase in usage may have an impact on the resistance of the surrounding microbial community.
Naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compounds
Quaternary ammonium compounds are not only synthesized in the laboratory, but also widely exist in nature. Natural derivatives such as glycine betaine and choline play an important role in maintaining cellular osmotic pressure and also play a key role in nerve conduction.
SummaryWith the important role played by quaternary ammonium compounds in the field of disinfectants, it is particularly important to understand these mysterious compounds and evaluate their safety in use. In the pursuit of safer and more efficient disinfection solutions, can quaternary ammonium continue to lead the way and become a key issue for future exploration?
