The Chemistry Of QUATS

With the widespread of COVID-19 virus, there has been an increase in the demand for disinfectant products in all the places such as homes, hospitals, government buildings, and workplaces. These disinfectants are composed of QUATS - Quaternary Ammonium compounds.

What Do You Mean By “QUATS”?

Basically, “QUATS” refers to the quaternary ammonium compounds. These quaternary ammonium compounds are quite similar to the ammonium ions in the basic structure. The difference is that instead of being 4 hydrogens surrounding 1 nitrogen, they have 4 R groups. You might be wondering about the various “R” groups. These “R” groups can be either an alkyl group, which is a chain of carbons and hydrogens, or they can be an aryl group, which is a ring of carbons and hydrogens. (Note: The chains and rings can have individual molecules apart from carbon and hydrogen such as oxygen).

Why Do Quats Have Different Functions? 

Well, as per the basic chemistry behind “QUATS”, different quats have different functions because of the variety of R groups that they can have. With different combinations of rings, chains, carbons, hydrogens, and other elements each quat has its own functionality characteristic features. This is the reason behind the wide range of quats that are used in cleaners and disinfectants. Generally, Quats tend to have antimicrobial properties, making them valuable as disinfectants. These QUATS disinfectants work in a variety of ways to disrupt cell membranes, inactivate energy-producing enzymes, or denature essential proteins in the microbes, effectively killing them.

Various Application Of quaternary ammonium compounds or “QUATs”?

Quaternary ammonium compounds or “QUATs” are chemicals that are used in a variety of different personal care products from spermicidal jellies to disinfectants. They are used as conditioning agents to give skin and hair a smooth feel. They make clothes feel softer after being washed, so they’re also a common ingredient in fabric softeners. The food service industry uses QUATs as a disinfectant.

[Quaternary Ammonium Compounds]

QUATs Disinfectant Suitable For Fighting COVID-19 Virus

One of the advantages of quaternary ammonium disinfectants is that they don't damage clothing and carpets the way that bleach does. They are also non-corrosive to metal pipes and other surfaces, another advantage over bleach. So it can be easily used as a disinfectant to sanitize the workplaces, houses without causing harm to the clothes, and furniture. 

Although in its diluted form quaternary ammonium is considered to be safe enough to use without extraordinary precautions like masks, goggles, and gloves. 

Note: Experts warn that it can cause burns to the skin and mucous membranes in its non-diluted form.

Major Disadvantage Of QUATS

The only problem with quats is that they have the potential to add to the growing number of resistant bacteria. This is why they make poor cleaners. When a quat-based disinfectant is used to clean, some of the quats get left behind on the surface as a residue. This residue builds up on the surface, causing it to look dull and grimy. Over time, this accumulated grime will make the surface look dirty even after being cleaned and it will attract even more dirt to it! So the various microbes may be dead, but the surface will look dirty, and who wants that?

What are some products that contain QUATs?

QUATs can be found in shampoos, toilet cleaners, hand soap, shaving cream, baby wipes, body wash, sunscreens, moisturizers, disinfectant sprays, liquid fabric softeners, anti-cling dryer sheets, disinfectants, and spermicidal jellies.

How to tell if a product has QUATs?

These are listed as distearyldimonium chloride, variants of hydroxyethyl methyl ammonium methyl sulfate, diethyl ester dimethyl ammonium chloride, and are often noted as “biodegradable fabric softening agents” or “catatonic surfactants”.

Risks associated with QUATs

Quats are formaldehyde-releasing toxic chemicals that have been associated with multiple health risks including:

• Allergies & irritation (skin, eye, lung)
• Contact dermatitis – Studies estimate that between 13% and 34% of contact dermatitis cases may be linked to quats.
• Asthma
• Fertility Issues
• Birth Defects

Summary:

Quaternary ammonium compounds are nitrogenous organic compounds used as disinfectants in restaurants, hospitals, and homes. The basic chemical structure of ammonium is a nitrogen atom with four hydrogen atoms attached around it. Quaternary ammonium is created when each of those four hydrogen atoms is replaced with some combination of four other organic chains or rings. Because of the limitless number of possible combinations, there are many versions of quaternary ammonium on the market already and new ones are constantly in development.