Greener and efficient processes: Quaternary Ammonium Salts

Quaternary Ammonium Salts play a crucial part in Organic Chemistry processes at many major industries. Discover why. 

What are Quaternary Ammonium Salts (Quats)? 

Dishman Carbogen Amcis Ltd. has rich expertise in Quaternary Ammonium Salts (Quats), and boasts an established, wide portfolio. But do you know exactly what Quats are, how and where they are used, and most importantly... why would you use them? 

Quaternary Ammonium Salts (Quats) are a crucial part of organic chemistry processes across many major industries. 

The quaternary ammonium cations are permanently charged, independent of the pH of their solution. Their permanent positive charge and hydrophilic carbon chains make Quats excellent Phase Transfer Catalysts. They are widely used in the productions of numerous products such as: Additives, Agrochemicals, Dyes, Pharmaceuticals, Paint & Coatings… and many more. 

Due to their strong antimicrobial activity, they are also used in Disinfectants/Antiseptics. Other uses also include polymer modification, pollution treatment and the removal/destruction of impurities in wastes & product streams.  

A wide range of reactions can make use of Quats as catalysts or reagents such as Etherification, Wittig reaction, Alkene synthesis, Borohydride Reduction and Chloromethylation… to name a few. 

Diverse industries from Pharmaceuticals, Agrochemicals to Electronics are using Quats for the variety of their advantages.  

Indeed, the use of Quats offers a number of benefits from an economic, environmental and quality-related point of view. These include:  

• Easy and reliable up-scaling  
• Low investments costs  
• Elimination of expensive and dangerous reactants such as metal alkoxides 
• Mild reaction conditions with increased process reliability 
• Flexibility in solvent choice 
• Minimization of industrial waste 
• High yield and purity of the end 
• Reduced reaction time 
• Increased reaction rates that leads to enhanced selectivity 
• Reduction of side products output 
• Increased reactor volume efficiency 
• Reduction or even elimination of the use of organic solvents

Therefore, Quats make many processes greener and more efficient by using less solvent, less energy & producing less harmful waste. 

Contact Dishman Carbogen Amcis Ltd. to learn more about our established portfolio of Ammonium and Phosphonium Quats, and our extensive R&D capabilities. 

Find out more here.