🧪 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