New quaternary ammonium salts based decontaminants

Abstract

Decontamination after terrorist attacks or industrial accidents with biological and/or chemical agents („bio-chem“) must be fast and efficient, in order to reduce the number of victims and to eliminate the consequent damages. The decontamination of living biological agents (bacteria, viruses) or nonliving ones (toxins, regulators) and toxic chemicals could be accomplished by reactions of hydrolysis in various experimental conditions, in particular in alkaline medium, reactions with amines or ammonia, alcohols, phenols etc. and by their transformation into less toxic degradation products. “Bio-chem” intentional or unintentional contamination is a real risk, towards which an effective management must be available to prevent and control it. Decontamination is an essential measure to protect the personnel and the environment. Synthesis and testing of new „bio-chem“ decontaminants, based on quaternary ammonium salts, complete the arsenal of protection against chemical and biological agents. The most effective selected substances could be produced and used for decontamination in accordance with legal procedures

Keywords

• „bio-chem“ contamination
• decontaminants
• disinfectant
• quaternary ammonium salts
• chemical synthesis