A quaternary ammonium cation carries four organic groups on nitrogen, giving a permanent
positive charge that no change in pH can neutralise.
Long-chain quats are cationic surfactants and biocides, binding to negatively charged
microbial membranes and disrupting them.
Short-chain symmetrical quats work instead as phase-transfer catalysts, ferrying anions
from aqueous into organic phase so reactions proceed without polar aprotic solvents.
Molychem manufactures quaternary ammonium compounds including TBAB, TBAI,
TBAHS, tetramethyl/ethyl/propyl salts, TBAH and TMAH solutions, cetrimide.
