Preparation of Benzalkonium Salts Differing in the Length of a Side Alkyl Chain

Benzalkonium salts are widely used as disinfectants, biocides and detergents,among a variety of other applications. The cationic surface-activity of these saltsdetermines their potential to act as a biocide on both target and non-target organisms. Inthis study, a quick synthesis of a complete set of the benzalkonium salts differing in thelength of an alkylating chain (from C2 to C20) is described. Moreover, their 1H-NMR, HPLC-MS, TLC and HPLC analysis were recorded.