1-Decanaminium

Chemical Name

  • Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC)

IUPAC / CAS

1-Decanaminium, N-decyl,N, N-dimethyl chloride / 7173-51-5

Physical and Chemical Properties

DDAC is a clear amber colored liquid. It is stable at room temperature.

Mode of Action

  • DDAC is a surface-active agent and denatures protein or causes dissociation of the enzyme from its prosthetic group
  • DDAC also alters the cell permeability of bacteria and yeasts
  • DDAC may also stimulate the glycolysis reaction
  • DDAC may also inhibit oxidation of lactate.

Respiratory infections

Majority of the respiratory infections caused by adenovirus are asymptomatic. Adenovirus type 7 is known to cause a fulminant bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Cough, fever, sore throat and runny nose are common presenting symptoms of adenovirus infections. Physical findings are often correlated with the symptoms of the patient. Serotypes 4 & 7 are associated with features of atypical pneumonia where the physical findings may not match the findings of the roentgenogram. 

Activity Spectrum

DDAC has broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. It is a bactericidal agent and also has cidal effects on viruses and fungi.

Advantages

  • DDAC is an effective bactericidal agent especially for surface disinfection and also used for wood disinfection.

Disadvantages

  • No tuberculocidal acitivity
  • No action on spores or parasites

Toxicity and Side Effects in Humans

DDAC is a corrosive agent causing severe injuries on the skin and also mucosal surfaces. It has also shown to be a contact allergen.

Regulatory Information

DDAC is not listed as a carcinogenic agent by IARC , OSHA or NTP.

Safety Measures

Since DDAC is a corrosive agent , while handling this agent all personal protection must be taken care of. Use of face shields , goggles, chemical protect gloves and aprons is important. Store it in a cool dry well ventilated place away from ignition sources. DDAC is also extremely toxic to aquatic life and hence the concentrated chemical must not be drained down the sewers.

First Aid Treatment

  • Remove the exposed person away from the source
  • Incase of eye contact, immediately flush the eyes with plenty of cold water at the eye station for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice immediately to assess the extent of injury, as DDAC is a known corrosive and likely to cause irreversible damage to the cornea . Corneal burns may cause permanent damage to the eyesight.
  • On skin contact, discard the clothes and expose the affected parts.Wash the area with plenty of  soap and water for atleast 15 minutes. Seek medical advice to prevent ulceration and infection in the injured area.
  • If fumes of DDAC are inhaled , it may cause cough and shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical help and if reqiured respiratory support must be given and the individual placed under medical observation for at least 24 hours to assess the extent of corrosive injury to the respiratory tract . The attending doctor must be informed about the agent inhaled to order to reduce the risk of further injury to the respiratory mucosa.
  • On ingestion, do not induce vomitting as the corrosive effect can cause a tear in the esophagus and lead to hemorrhage.A gastric lavage may be given using a soft nasogastric tube to remove any ingested chemical. The procedure must be carried out with extreme care in order to avoid wretching which will further cause damage and bleeding.

References

  • Battaglia F, Scambia G, Distefano M, Ronca S, Plotti F, Plotti G, Mancuso S. Quaternary ammonium salts in Gynecology and obstetrics. Minerva Ginecol 2000; 52 (11): 471- 484