Quaternary ammonium compounds

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009778",
  "term": "Quaternary ammonium compounds",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "Organic compounds containing a positively charged nitrogen atom bonded to four organic substituents, which can be alkyl or aryl groups. The nitrogen atom lacks a hydrogen atom and is therefore permanently charged, forming a cation that is associated with an anion. These compounds are widely used as disinfectants, antistatic agents, and phase-transfer catalysts due to their amphiphilic nature.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "hydrocarbyl groups",
    "iminium compounds",
    "onium compounds"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1995, 67, 1307. 'Glossary of class names of organic compounds and reactivity intermediates based on structure (IUPAC Recommendations 1995)' on page 1361 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199567081307)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/quaternary-ammonium-compounds/"
}