Cationic tensides are a widespread group of surface active agents. These compounds have lots of applications in various branches of industry and research.
Quaternary isoquinolinium salts differing in alkyl chain length are members of a cationic surfactant group with quaternary nitrogen in its structure. The members of this group can be used as micellar catalysts or disinfectants.
Decontamination (chemical warfare agents) or disinfection (bacteria or fungi) for very similar compounds was described several times. In this work, the preparation of isoquinoline-derived cationic surfactants differing in the length of the side alkylating chain from C8 to C20 is described.
An HPLC method used for distinction of all prepared long-chain isoquinolinium analogues has been successfully developed.