Akademik

a compound derived from ammonium with hydrogen atoms replaced by organic groups; used as surface-active agents, disinfectants, and in drugs

: any of a large class of strong bases and their salts that may be regarded as compounds of ammonium in which all four hydrogen atoms are replaced by organic radicals and that in many cases are used as surface-active agents, as disinfectants and germicides, and as drugs — compare cationic detergent, methonium

any of a class of salts derived from ammonium in which the nitrogen atom is attached to four organic groups, as in benzalkonium chloride; the salts are cationic surface-active compounds used as antiseptics and disinfectants. Also called quaternary ammonium salt.

[1815-25]

quaternary ammonium compound,

any derivative of ammonium in which the four hydrogen atoms have been replaced by organic radicals. Quaternary ammonium compounds are used as disinfectants and in various medicines.