Quaternary ammonium salt

Definition

A quaternary ammonium salt is an organic compound where a nitrogen atom is bonded to four alkyl or aryl groups and one anion, typically a halide. These compounds are often used as disinfectants, surfactants, and fabric softeners due to their ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes.

Related terms

Alkyl Group: An alkyl group consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged in a chain, attached to another atom or molecule by a single bond.

Aryl Group: An aryl group is derived from an aromatic hydrocarbon by removing one hydrogen atom, allowing it to bond with other atoms or groups.

Halide: A halide is a binary compound, where one part is a halogen (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) and the other part is more electropositive