Synthesis, Purification, and Influence of Chain Length on Toxicity of Two Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

The synthesis and purification of two quaternary ammonium compounds was accomplished. The influence of chain length upon toxicity of the two compounds was determined using oral LD50 values, in fasted animals, and intraperitoneal LD50 values in male Swiss-Webster mice and male Wistar rats except where limited by the critical micelle concentration and the volume required for administration. The larger molecular weight compound was more toxic i.p. in rats than mice while the lower molecular weight compound was more toxic orally in mice than rats. The i.p. LD50 values in mice for both compounds were nearly identical and these values in both rats and mice after 24hr. for the larger weight compound were practically the same. The usual greater toxicity with i.p. administration versus oral was not seen with these compounds in mice but was observed in rats.