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🧪 Alkyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride (ATMAC)

Alkyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt with powerful surfactant and biocidal properties. It features a long-chain alkyl group attached to a trimethylammonium head and a chloride counterion.

🔬 Chemical Structure

  • General Formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₁N(CH₃)₃⁺ Cl⁻
  • Alkyl Chain Lengths: Typically C12, C14, C16, or C18
  • Type: Cationic surfactant

✅ Main Applications

🦠 Antibacterial and Disinfectant

  • Used in surface disinfectants, sanitizers, and antiseptic formulations
  • Effective against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses
  • Often found in cleaners for hospitals, food processing, and homes

🧼 Fabric Softeners and Antistatic Agents

  • Imparts softness and static control in laundry rinse aids
  • Used in textile softening and paper processing

💧 Water Treatment

  • Acts as a biocide to control microbial growth in cooling towers and water systems

🧪 Chemical Intermediate

  • Used in the synthesis of other quaternary ammonium compounds and specialty chemicals

⚠️ Safety and Handling

  • Irritant to skin and eyes in concentrated form
  • Toxic to aquatic life — avoid release into water bodies
  • Use gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation during handling

🏷️ Related Compounds

  • Benzalkonium Chloride — a common disinfectant in healthcare and consumer products
  • Cetrimonium Chloride (CTAC) — alkyltrimethylammonium with C16 chain, used in shampoos
  • Dodecyltrimethylammonium Chloride (DTAC) — with a C12 chain, used in surfactant blends