quaternary ammonium compound

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quaternary ammonium compound¹

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.

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

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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.

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

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

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