Domiphen is a quaternary ammonium compound and cationic surfactant with antimicrobial activity. It is active against A. viscosus, A. naeslundii, S. mutans, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes bacteria and inhibits C. neoformans yeast growth and spore germination. It also inhibits the human-ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel (IC50 = 1.5 μM in a whole-cell patch-clamp assay). Formulations containing domiphen have been used as antiseptics, disinfectants, and biocides in industrial, agricultural, veterinary, and clinical applications.
Domiphen bromide is employed as a phase transfer catalyst in synthetic chemistry. It is used as a quaternary ammonium cation with cationic surfactant properties. Further, it is used as an antiseptic and an active pharmaceutical ingredient.
ChEBI: Domiphen bromide is an aromatic ether.
7 parts of β-phenoxyethyl-dimethylamine are heated for 2 hours on the boiling
water-bath with 11 parts of dodecyl bromide. A good yield of β-phenoxy-ethyldimethyl-dodecyl-ammonium bromide is obtained which, after recrystallization
from acetone, melts at 112°C. It is a white crystalline powder which dissolves
easily in water to give a neutral reaction.
Poison by intraperitoneal
and intravenous routes. hfutauon data reported.
When heated to decomposiuon it emits very toxic
fumes of NOx, NH3, and Br-. See also
BROMIDES.
