Rethinking the Esterquats: Synthesis, Stability, Ecotoxicity and Applications of Esterquats Incorporating Analogs of Betaine or Choline as the Cation in Their Structure

Wysocki, M ORCID: 0000-0003-3585-2716, Stachowiak, W ORCID: 0000-0002-6484-4507, Smolibowski, M ORCID: 0000-0003-1570-5882, Olejniczak, A ORCID: 0000-0002-3053-0171, Niemczak, M ORCID: 0000-0002-4364-8267 and Shamshina, JL ORCID: 0000-0003-0708-764X (2024) Rethinking the Esterquats: Synthesis, Stability, Ecotoxicity and Applications of Esterquats Incorporating Analogs of Betaine or Choline as the Cation in Their Structure. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25 (11). ISSN 1661-6596

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Abstract

Esterquats constitute a unique group of quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) that contain an ester bond in the structure of the cation. Despite the numerous advantages of this class of compounds, only two mini-reviews discuss the subject of esterquats: the first one (2007) briefly summarizes their types, synthesis, and structural elements required for a beneficial environmental profile and only briefly covers their applications whereas the second one only reviews the stability of selected betaine-type esterquats in aqueous solutions. The rationale for writing this review is to critically reevaluate the relevant literature and provide others with a “state-of-the-art” snapshot of choline-type esterquats and betaine-type esterquats. Hence, the first part of this survey thoroughly summarizes the most important scientific reports demonstrating effective synthesis routes leading to the formation of both types of esterquats. In the second section, the susceptibility of esterquats to hydrolysis is explained, and the influence of various factors, such as the pH, the degree of salinity, or the temperature of the solution, was subjected to thorough analysis that includes quantitative components. The next two sections refer to various aspects associated with the ecotoxicity of esterquats. Consequently, their biodegradation and toxic effects on microorganisms are extensively analyzed as crucial factors that can affect their commercialization. Then, the reported applications of esterquats are briefly discussed, including the functionalization of macromolecules, such as cotton fabric as well as their successful utilization on a commercial scale. The last section demonstrates the most essential conclusions and reported drawbacks that allow us to elucidate future recommendations regarding the development of these promising chemicals.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	quaternary ammonium salts; cleavable compounds; esters; environmental safety; cationic surfactants; biological activity; Humans; Cations; Choline; Betaine; Esters; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; biological activity; cationic surfactants; cleavable compounds; environmental safety; esters; quaternary ammonium salts; Betaine; Choline; Cations; Esters; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Humans; 3404 Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry; 34 Chemical Sciences; Betaine; Choline; Cations; Esters; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Humans; 0399 Other Chemical Sciences; 0604 Genetics; 0699 Other Biological Sciences; Chemical Physics; 3101 Biochemistry and cell biology; 3107 Microbiology; 3404 Medicinal and biomolecular chemistry
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Divisions:	Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Publisher:	MDPI
Date of acceptance:	23 May 2024
Date of first compliant Open Access:	22 September 2026
Date Deposited:	22 Sep 2026 08:09
Last Modified:	22 Sep 2026 08:09
DOI or ID number:	10.3390/ijms25115761
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29493

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