Polyqater

Polyqater is a term used in some chemical discussions to denote a class of synthetic polymers that contain quaternary ammonium groups in their repeating units. As a result they are permanently cationic, with charge density determined by the proportion and placement of quaternary centers. Synthesis routes include polymerizing diallyl quaternary ammonium monomers, such as quaternized diallyl ammonium salts, or post-quaternization of preformed tertiary-amine polymers. The architecture can place the quaternary centers in the main chain or as pendant groups, which affects solubility, conformation, and interactions with anions.

In water, polyqaters are generally water-soluble and carry a positive charge that promotes electrostatic binding to negatively charged surfaces, polymers, or biological membranes. This leads to applications in flocculation and coagulation, as well as the formation of complexes with anionic biomolecules or DNA. Some formulations show antimicrobial activity due to cationic interactions with microbial membranes, though activity is highly dependent on molecular weight and counterions.

Common applications include water treatment, papermaking additives, cosmetics and personal care products as conditioning polymers, and functional coatings. The high charge density and cationic character raise considerations for compatibility and toxicity, and environmental persistence can be an issue for certain polyqater structures, influencing regulatory assessment and biodegradability profiles.

Related topics include polyquaternary polymers, cationic polymers, and quaternary ammonium compounds.