The direct gas chromatographic analysis of long chain quaternary ammonium compounds

Abstract

Long chain quaternary ammonium compounds are used as germicides, textile softeners and in many other industrial applications. In working with these compounds, it was found desirable to be able to determine their long chain homolog composition. Experiments were carried out attempting to perform this determination using gas chromatography. The first approach was to try and do the Hofmann degradation of the quaternaries on strongly alkaline columns used for amine determination. However, the postulated hydrocarbon peaks were not obtained. Instead, a series of peaks that represented identifiable tertiary amines emerged from the column. Using these peaks, the homolog composition of the original quaternary ammonium compound could be determined. Quaternaries containing up to 38 carbons have been identified. The types of columns and conditions used in this work are described. The quantitative relationship of the composition found was related to that of the actual composition. The apparent unequivalence of various carbon-nitrogen bondings is discussed.