quaternary ammonium compound

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of a class of salts derived from ammonium in which the nitrogen atom is attached to four organic groups, as in benzalkonium chloride; the salts are cationic surface-active compounds used as antiseptics and disinfectants.

---

quaternary ammonium compound British  

noun

1. a type of ionic compound that can be regarded as derived from ammonium compounds by replacing the hydrogen atoms with organic groups

---

Etymology

Origin of quaternary ammonium compound

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

They identified chemicals that selectively damaged oligodendrocytes belong to two classes: organophosphate flame retardants and quaternary ammonium compounds.

From Science Daily

There are long-term risks associated with the overuse of certain disinfectants, such as quaternary ammonium compounds.

From New York Times

Two disinfectants known to be sprayed at Glades are called Mint and Maxim Neutral, and their ingredients that have raised concern are known as quaternary ammonium compounds, or QACs.

From Scientific American

U.S. regulators are scrutinizing ingredients called quats, or quaternary ammonium compounds, in disinfectants — e.g.

From Scientific American

These include using quaternary ammonium compounds, as well as bleach and ethanol.

From The Guardian