- 1 H replaced = primary amine
- 2 H’s replaced = secondary amine
- 3 H’s replaced = tertiary amine
- N lone pair bonds to 4th organic group = quaternary ammonium ion
quaternary ammonium salts: cationic surfactants – fabric softener & hair conditioner & disinfectant
- long hydrocarbon tail: bind to non-polar substances
- cationic head: dissolve in water – allow grease to dissolve in water
- NH4+ part: bind to -charge (hair/fibre) = remove static