Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) 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 QACs 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.
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Because of its good surface activity and bactericidal effect, QACs are widely used in industrial, agriculture, food industry and medical care industry. Among them, ATMACs (the main products are cetyl, octadecyl trimethyl halide), DADMACs (the main products are didodecyl, dihexadecyl, dioctadecyl alkyl dimethyl halide amines) and BACs (the main product is phenyl dodecyl halide amines) are the most widely used, with a history of more than 60 years, and the current annual consumption exceeds 500,000 tons, and it is still increasing year by year. QACs can kill most bacterial propagules and fungal viruses. The ingredients are mild and non-irritating. They are suitable for disinfection in hospitals, schools, and homes.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectants
Advantages: Low bactericidal concentration of quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants; colorless, low odor, no corrosive bleaching effect; relatively stable performance, light and heat resistance, easy to store; low toxicity.
Disadvantages: Quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants are low-efficiency disinfectants. They are still unable to kill microorganisms such as fungi, tuberculosis, hydrophilic viruses, and bacterial spores. In addition, the price is also expensive.
Factors Affecting the Disinfection Effect of Quaternary Ammonium Salt Disinfectants
The main factors affecting the disinfection effect of quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants are:
Organic substances
Since organic substances, such as serum, can reduce the bactericidal concentration of quaternary ammonium salts, organic substances on the surface of the object must be removed before disinfection with quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants.
Antagonism
Quaternary ammonium salt disinfectant is a cationic surfactant, which can be combined with anionic surfactant to reduce the effective concentration of quaternary ammonium salt disinfectant. Common anionic surfactants in life include soap, washing powder, etc. In the process of using quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants, such substances should be avoided.
Environment
Quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants are easily affected by factors such as pH, water quality, temperature, etc., and can exhibit better antibacterial and bactericidal effects in an alkaline environment. Some quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants, such as benzalkonium bromide, can react with metal ions in high-hardness water to reduce the effective concentration of quaternary ammonium salt, thus failing to achieve the corresponding disinfection effect. Therefore, when preparing quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants, distilled water should be used and the pH should be adjusted to alkaline in order to achieve the best disinfection effect.
Alfa Chemistry QACs supplies an extensive catalog of quaternary ammonium compounds, which plays multiple roles as chemical intermediate, cosmetic additives, oilfield chemicals, papermaking chemicals, textile printing and dyeing auxiliaries, water treatment chemicals, or surfactant in scenarios like disinfectant and cleaning products, water purification, wood preservation, textile and leather manufacturing. If classified by anion, QACs can be grouped into: halide quaternary ammonium salts, acid radical quaternary ammonium salts, polyquaternium, quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and quaternary phosphonium compounds. Via years of research and innovation, Alfa Chemistry&#;s custom synthesis lab (https://qacs.alfa-chemistry.com/custom-synthesis.html) also provides tailor-made synthesis service to help address any challenging tasks concerning the production, use and commercialization of QACs.
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Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is a widely used surfactant in various industries, including personal care, household cleaning, and industrial applications. It is a versatile and effective surfactant that offers many benefits, but it also has some drawbacks and technical limitations. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of SLES, its technical limits for different products, and its applications.
What is SLES?
SLES is a surfactant that is derived from coconut oil and is commonly used in personal care products, such as shampoos, body washes, and toothpaste. It is also used in household cleaning products, such as dishwashing liquids and laundry detergents. SLES is a type of anionic surfactant, which means that it has a negatively charged head and a hydrophobic tail. This unique structure allows it to interact with both water and oil, making it an effective cleaning agent.
Benefits of SLES
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1. Effective cleaning: SLES is an excellent cleaning agent that can remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from surfaces. It is particularly effective at removing oil-based stains, making it a popular choice for laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids.
2. Foaming properties: SLES is known for its excellent foaming properties, which make it ideal for use in personal care products. It creates a rich lather that helps to distribute the product evenly and provides a satisfying sensory experience.
3. Compatibility: SLES is compatible with a wide range of other ingredients, making it a versatile surfactant that can be used in many different formulations.
4. Cost-effective: SLES is a cost-effective surfactant that offers excellent performance at a relatively low cost.
Drawbacks of SLES
1. Skin irritation: SLES can be irritating to the skin, particularly at high concentrations. This can cause dryness, itching, and redness, especially in people with sensitive skin.
2. Environmental concerns: SLES is not biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment, leading to potential ecological problems.
3. Health concerns: There are some concerns that SLES may be linked to health problems, such as cancer and reproductive issues. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence.
Technical Limits of SLES
The technical limits of SLES depend on the product in which it is used. For example, in personal care products, the concentration of SLES is typically between 1% and 30%, depending on the product's intended use. In household cleaning products, the concentration of SLES is typically higher, ranging from 10% to 50%. However, at high concentrations, SLES can become less effective and may cause skin irritation with not used with combination of co-surfactants.
SLES is used in a wide range of applications, including:
1. Personal care products: SLES is commonly used in shampoos, body washes, and toothpaste due to its excellent foaming properties and cleaning ability.
2. Household cleaning products: SLES is used in dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and other household cleaning products due to its ability to remove oil-based stains and its compatibility with other ingredients.
3. Industrial applications: SLES is used in various industrial applications, such as oil drilling, textile processing, and paper manufacturing, due to its excellent cleaning ability and compatibility with other chemicals.
Conclusion
SLES is a versatile and effective surfactant that offers many benefits, including effective cleaning, foaming properties, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as skin irritation and environmental concerns. The technical limits of SLES depend on the product in which it is used, and it is commonly used in personal care products, household cleaning products, and industrial applications. Overall, SLES is a valuable ingredient that plays a crucial role in many products, making it the king of surfactants.
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