Overview of Cationic Surfactants

Positively charged surfactants are called cationic surfactants. The surface active agent is cations, also known as positive soap. The main part of its molecular structure is a pentavalent nitrogen atom, which is a quaternary ammonium compound, including benzalkonium chloride (benzalkonium chloride), benzalkonium bromide (sulfamethoxazole), benzalkonium chloride, etc. This type of surfactant has good water solubility, good surface activity, and is relatively stable in both acidic and alkaline solutions. Because of its strong bactericidal effect, it is mainly used for disinfection of skin, mucous membranes, surgical instruments, etc. Certain species, such as benzalkonium chloride, are used in ophthalmic solutions as bacteriostatic agents.