Colloid Chemical and Antimicrobial Properties of some Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

A few chlorine substituted unsaturated quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC's) with varying alkyl chain lengths (n = 5 to 12) have been synthesized and found to behave as surfactants. Kraft points have been determined and the dependence of CMC, the degree of micellar aggregation and solubilisation ability on the alkyl chain length studied. Influence of additives, salts and alcohols, on colloid chemical behaviour has been presented. Role of the QAC's as emulisifiers has been explored with regard to styrene polymerisation kinetics. These compounds have been found to possess antimicrobial activity.