Definitions for quaternary ammonium compound
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Random House Webster's College Dictionary
quat′ernary ammo′nium com`pound(n.)
any of a class of salts derived from ammonium in which the nitrogen atom is attached to four organic groups; used as antiseptics and disinfectants.
Category: Chemistry
Origin of quaternary ammonium compound:
1815–25
Princeton's WordNet
quaternary ammonium compound(noun)
a compound derived from ammonium with hydrogen atoms replaced by organic groups; used as surface-active agents, disinfectants, and in drugs
Wiktionary
quaternary ammonium compound(Noun)
An amine derivative, containing four radicals, of general formula RRRR-NX; the radicals may be the same, different, or part of a ring; X is any univalent cation such as OH.
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