N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium (C12-C14)

N-alkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium (C12-C14) is a quaternary ammonium compound with surfactant and antimicrobial properties. It is widely used as an active ingredient in sanitizing solutions, soaps, and disinfecting cleaning products due to its broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, some fungi, and certain viruses. The mechanism of action involves irreversible binding to the phospholipids and proteins of microbial cell membranes, impairing membrane permeability. This leads to disruption or dissociation of the lipid bilayer in bacterial cells, resulting in leakage of cellular contents and cell death. Systemic absorption through intact human skin is minimal; thus, systemic effects are rare when used topically[1][2][5].

Other names

alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloridealkyl ethylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride