Soft Quaternary Surface Active Agents

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to soft quaternary surface active agents and more specifically, to soft quaternary surface active agents characterized as being substantially antibacterial in nature but of low toxicity due to their ability to degrade into relatively nontoxic, nonquaternary by-products subsequent to exerting their antibacterial activity.

2. Description of the Prior Art

One of the basic methods of synthesis of the compounds encompassed within the above-described generic formula consists in reacting a compound of the formula (A) below wherein R and R.sub.1 are defined as above with a compound of the formula (B) below, wherein R, R.sub.1, ##STR7## and X are defined as above: ##STR8##

A few of the compounds of formula (A) above are old in the art and are formed by the reaction between an aldehydr (R--CHO) and an acyl halide ##STR9## See, R. Adams and E. H. Vollweiler, J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 40, 1732 (1918); H. E. French and R. Adams, ibid., 43, 651 (1921); L. H. Ulich and R. Adams, ibid., 43, 660 (1921).

Thus, preparation of the compounds of formula (A) can be described by reference to the following equation, wherein R and R.sub.1 are defined as above: ##STR10## An alternate method of preparing the compounds of formula (A) resides in reacting a salt of the acid R.sub.1 -COOH with a nonsymmetric dihalo derivative ##STR11## as follows: ##STR12## using an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide at or below room temperature.

The compounds of formula (A) have been used in the past to protect a carboxy function in the following manner: ##STR13##

In the above equation, R and R.sub.1 are defined as above; R.sub.2 represents the residue of ampicillin or a salicylic acid derivative; and M represents an alkali metal salt (Na, K, etc.). See, "Acyloxymethyl Esters of Ampicillin," W. V. Daehne, E. Fredricksen, E. Gundersen, F. Lund, P. Morch, H. J. Petersen, K. Roholt, L. Tybring, and W. V. Godfredsen, J. Med. Chem., 13, 607 (1970), or British Pat. No. 1,220,457. While those compounds of formula (A) have been used as outlined above, i.e., protecting the carboxy function, this utility has no bearing on the invention disclosed and claimed herein. On the other hand, it is generally known that any activated haloalkyl compound (e.g., benzyl bromide or chloride) will react with a tertiary aliphatic amine to form the corresponding quaternary ammonium salt. However, this salt does not undergo hydrolytic cleavage, which is a necessary characteristic of the labile quaternary ammonium salts of this invention.

"Hard" quaternary salt surface active agents are known and widely used for numerous purposes in cosmetics, cleansing preparations and antimicrobial preparations, e.g., mouthwashes, shampoos, soaps, etc. These quaternary salts which are a very short chain length are highly toxic whereas those of long chain length are less toxic but only due to their inability to be readily absorbed. For instance, the LD.sub.50 for cetylpyridinium chloride via oral versus I.P. administration is substantially greater. See Example III, infra.

In addition, it is now believed that such "hard" quaternary salt surface active agents, which alter surface tension in the liver, do, in fact, influence a number of chemical and physical processes in the liver. Consequently, such agents have an indirect toxic effect on the hepatic system.

Accordingly, a need arises for a "soft" surface active agent which, subsequent to exerting its desired effect, will "cleave" via chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis to release nontoxic and nonsurface active moieties. That is, it is desirable to develop a quaternary derivative which, after exerting its desired effect, will "cleave" via chemical and/or enzymatic hydrolysis to release nonquaternary, nontoxic by-products.

U.S. Patent Application, Ser. No. 482,513--Bodor discloses similar compounds having little, if any, antibacterial activity. This application was filed on June 24, 1974 and has since been allowed.

It is one object of the present invention to provide certain quaternary surface active agents capable of exerting a substantial antibacterial effect.

It is another object of the present invention to provide quaternary surface active agents as described above which, in addition to being substantially antibacterial in nature, remain relatively nontoxic due to the ability of such agents to degrade into nontoxic by-products subsequent to exerting their antibacterial effect.

All the foregoing objects are attained with the following compounds generically described in formulas (I) and (II) below: ##STR14## wherein ##STR15## represents a tertiary open chain or cyclic aliphatic amine; wherein ##STR16## represents an unsaturated amine; wherein R represents a member selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 open chain or cyclo alkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkoxyalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 acyloxyalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 haloalkyl group, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 carboxyalkyl group, an aryl group, and a substituted aryl group, whose substituents are selected from the group consisting of a halogen atom, an O--C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group, an O--C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 acyl group, a nitro group, a carboxyl group, and a carboethoxy group; wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.9 -C.sub.22 straight or branched alkyl group, a ##STR17## wherein R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are each selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, a C.sub.0 -C.sub.22 straight or branched alkyl ##STR18## wherein n in each occurrence and m represent an integer of from 0 to 22, an ##STR19## wherein A represents a C.sub.0 -C.sub.22 straight or branched alkyl group as above or a --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.p group, wherein the p represents an integer of from 0 to 22, and the residue of any naturally occurring bile acid or synthetic derivative thereof; and wherein X represents a halogen atom or any other organic or inorganic monovalent anion.

With regard to the above formulas (I) and (II), respectively, reference to "aryl" denotes a phenyl or naphthyl group; reference to "halo" and "halogen" in each occurrence denotes any suitable member of the halogen series, e.g., chlorine, bromine or iodine; and reference to "acyl" in the expression O-acyl denotes any convenient acyl group such as a formyl group, an acetyl group, a propionyl group, a benzoyl group, etc. It is further noted that the term "substituted" insofar as "substituted aryl" is concerned refers to the fact that the aryl function may be substituted with any one or more of those substituents specifically defined herein.

Insofar as the anion "X" is concerned, the term "organic or inorganic monovalent equivalent anion," denotes other equivalent anions such as methanesulfonate, fluorosulfonate, and tosylate.

Finally, the term "unsaturated amine" denotes N-heterocyclic unsaturated systems having 3-10 members in the ring, and substituted derivatives thereof where the unsaturation corresponds to the maximum number of noncumulative double bonds, provided that the nitrogen atom contains no hydrogen atom as a substituent. The following examples will sufficiently illustrate the scope of the above term: ##STR20##

While the designations ##STR21## refer to virtually any tertiary aliphatic amine and aromatic amine moiety, respectively, the following moieties are nevertheless preferred:

C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 Trialkylammonium

Pyridine

Methylnicotinate

Ethylnicotinate

Trimethylamine

Triethylamine

--Benzoyloxymethyl

N-Pivaloyloxymethyl

Methylimidazole

1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane

Nicotinamide

N-Ethylnicotinamide

Finally, the term "naturally occurring bile acid" denotes any free or conjugated bile acid occurring in man such as cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, etc.

While all the compounds encompassed within the above generic formulae meet the present inventor's criteria, nevertheless, certain compounds remain preferred as set out below. Additional preferred compounds can be found in the examples which follow:

(1) n-Octanoyloxymethylpyridinium chloride.

(2) n-Dodecanoyloxymethylpyridinium chloride.

(3) n-Tetradecanoyloxymethylpyridinium chloride.

(4) n-Hexadecanoyloxymethylpyridinium chloride.

(5) 1-n-Dodecanoyloxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride.

(6) 1-n-Tetradecanoyloxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride.

(7) 1-n-Hexadecanoyloxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride.

(8) n-Dodecanoyloxymethyltriethylammonium chloride.

(9) 1-n-Dodecanoyloxymethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane chloride.

(10) 1-n-Dodecanoyloxymethyl-N-ethylnicotinamide chloride.

(11) n-Octanoyloxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride or bromide.

(12) n-Octanoyloxymethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(13) n-Octanoyloxymethyl-nicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(14) 1-n-Octanoyloxymethyl-ethylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(15) 1-n-Octanoyloxymethyl-methylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(16) n-Octanoyloxymethyl-triethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(17) n-Decanoyloxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride or bromide.

(18) 1-n-Decanoyloxymethyl-pyridinium chloride or bromide.

(19) n-Decanoyloxymethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(20) n-Decanoyloxymethyl-triethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(21) 1-n-Decanoyloxymethyl-nicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(22) 1-n-Decanoyloxymethyl-ethylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(23) n-Dodecanoyloxymethyl-triethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(24) n-Tetradecanoyloxymethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(25) n-Tetradecanoyloxymethyl-triethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(26) 1-n-Tetradecanoyloxymethyl-nicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(27) 1-n-Tetradecanoyloxymethyl-ethylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(28) 1-n-Tetradecanoyloxymethyl-methylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(29) 1-n-Tetradecanoyloxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride or bromide.

(30) n-Tetradecanoyloxymethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane chloride or bromide.

(31) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Octanoyloxy)ethyl]-pyridinium chloride or bromide.

(32) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Octanoyloxy)ethyl]-3-methylimidazolium chloride or bromide.

(33) .alpha.-(n-Octanoyloxy)ethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(34) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Octanoyloxy)ethyl]-nicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(35) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Octanoyloxy)ethyl]-N-ethylnicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(36) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Octanoyloxy)ethyl]-ethylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(37) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Decanoyloxy)ethyl]-pyridinium chloride or bromide.

(38) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Decanoyloxy)ethyl]-3-methylimidazolium chloride or bromide.

(39) .alpha.-(n-Decanoyloxy)ethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(40) .alpha.-(n-Decanoyloxy)ethyl-triethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(41) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Decanoyloxy)ethyl]-nicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(42) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Decanoyloxy)ethyl]-N-ethylnicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(43) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Decanoyloxy)ethyl]-ethylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(44) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Decanoyloxy)ethyl]-1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane chloride or bromide.

(45) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Dodecanoyloxy)ethyl]-pyridinium chloride or bromide.

(46) .alpha.-(n-Dodecanoyloxy)ethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(47) .alpha.-(n-Dodecanoyloxy)ethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(48) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Dodecanoyloxy)ethyl]-nicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(49) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Dodecanoyloxy)ethyl]-3-methylimidazolium chloride or bromide.

(50) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Dodecanoyloxy)ethyl]-N-ethylnicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(51) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Hexadecanoyloxy)ethyl]-pyridinium chloride or bromide.

(52) .alpha.-(n-Hexadecanoyloxy)ethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(53) .alpha.-(n-Hexadecanoyloxy)ethyl-triethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(54) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Hexadecanoyloxy)ethyl]-nicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(55) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Hexadecanoyloxy)ethyl]-3-methylimidazolium chloride or bromide.

(56) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Hexadecanoyloxy)ethyl]-N-ethylnicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(57) 1-[.alpha.-(n-Hexadecanoyloxy)ethyl]-ethylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(58) 1-Oleyloxymethyl-pyridinium chloride or bromide.

(59) Oleyloxymethyl-trimethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(60) Oleyloxymethyl-triethylammonium chloride or bromide.

(61) 1-Oleyloxymethyl-nicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(62) 1-Oleyloxymethyl-N-ethylnicotinamide chloride or bromide.

(63) 1-Oleyloxymethyl-ethylnicotinate chloride or bromide.

(64) 1-Oleyloxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride or bromide.

As can be determined from the examples which follow, depending on the spectrum of bacteria treated, one and/or mixtures of two or more of the above-described compounds may be employed.

At this point, it should be strictly emphasized that when the substituent R.sub.1 in formula (I) represents a C.sub.0 -C.sub.22 straight or branched alkyl ##STR22## or an ##STR23## the art which can be added to or substituted for the benzene ring in either one of the above long chain moieties for the purpose of improving their surface active agent properties may also be introduced. Typically, and without limitation, a pyridyl, a thiazolyl, an imidazolyl, or naphthyl function are illustrative.

The compounds of the present invention can be conveniently prepared in the manner described below:

React an .alpha.-halo-ester of the general formula: ##STR24## wherein R, R.sub.1 and X are defined as above, directly with a tertiary aliphatic amine ##STR25## or an unsaturated amine ##STR26## in approximately equimolecular proportions, in the presence of an inert solvent (ether, acetonitrile, CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2, etc.) at room temperature or at the reflux temperature of the solvent for 2-24 hours. As an alternative procedure, the above reaction can be carried out in the absence of a solvent by mixing the above two reactants together and maintaining them at room temperature or between 20.degree.-70.degree. C. for 2-24 hours. In both cases, the crystalline salt formed can be purified by crystallization from an ether-ethanol mixture, or the like.

The same compounds can be obtained by first mixing the tertiary aliphatic amine ##STR27## or unsaturated amine ##STR28## with an equimolecular amount of the corresponding acyl halide ##STR29## maintaining the mixture at room temperature for 2-24 hours. Then there is added to the reaction mixture an equimolecular amount of the aldehyde (R.sub.1 --CHO). The mixture is then stirred at room temperature or elevated temperature, up to 75.degree. C., for 2-28 hours. Purification of the final product is carried out as in Method "A".

In the above description of Method "B", R, R.sub.1 and X are defined as above.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. Consequently, the following preferred specific embodiments are to be construed as merely illustrative and not limitative of the remainder of the specification and claims in any way whatsoever. Reference to temperature means centigrade unless otherwise indicated.

A series of new chloromethyl n-alkylcarboxylates (1 a-d) were prepared by reaction of the corresponding acyl chloride with paraformaldehyde in the presence of a catalytic amount of anhydrous zinc chloride (SCHEME 1), applying the procedure of R. Adams and E. H. Vollweiler, J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 40, 1732 (1918); H. E. French and R Adams, ibid, 43, 651 (1921); and L. H. Ulich and R. Adams, ibid, 43, 660 (1921).

A series of n-alkylcarboxymethyl quaternary salts (2 a-j) were then prepared by reaction of the corresponding chloromethyl n-alkylcarboxylates with an appropriate tertiary amine (SCHEME 2).

A mixture of 1.93 g (0.01 mol) chloromethyl n-octanoate (1a) and 0.79 g (0.01 mol) pyridine were mixed and heated together at 90.degree. for 3 hours. On cooling to room temperature, anhydrous ether was added to the mixture and the mixture was triturated in anhydrous ether overnight. The solid was isolated by filtration under a nitrogen atmosphere and thoroughly washed with anhydrous ether. After drying in vacuo over calcium sulfate at room temperature, 1.90 g (0.007 mol), 70%, 2a was obtained as a white solid, mp 102.degree.-107.degree., ir (KBr) 3430, 3040, 2970, 1770, 1635, 1490, 1110, 760, and 670 cm.sup.-1 ; pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 9.9 (d, 2H), 8.8 (t, 1H), 8.3 (t,2H), 7.0 (s, 2H) 2.4 (t, 2H), 1.3 (bs, 10H) and 0.9 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.14 H.sub.22 ClNO.sub.2.H.sub.2 O: C, 58.02; H, 8.35; N, 4.83. Found: C, 57.51; H, 7.76; N, 4.58.

Using the procedure described for the preparation of 2a the following n-alkylcarboxymethyl pyridinium salts were prepared:

mp 120.degree.-124.degree., ir (KBr) 3430, 3020, 2960, 1770, 1635, 1490, 1470, 1110, 760, and 670 cm.sup.-1 ; pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 9.9 (d, 2H), 8.8 (t, 1H), 8.2 (t, 2H), 7.0 (s, 2H), 2.4 (t, 2H), 1.2 (bs, 18H) and 0.9 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.18 H.sub.30 ClNO.sub.2.H.sub.2 O: C, 62.50; H, 9.33; N, 4.05. Found: C, 63.54; H, 8.26; H, 3.86.

mp 104.degree.-109.degree., ir (KBr) 3420, 3010, 2960, 2920, 1770, 1638, 1485, 1470, 1110, 760 and 670 cm.sup.-1, pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 9.9 (d, 2H), 8.8 (t, 1H), 8.3 (t, 2H), 7.0 (s, 2H), 2.4 (t, 2H), 1.3 (bs, 22H), and 0.8 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.20 H.sub.34 ClNO.sub.2.H.sub.2 O: C, 64.23; H, 9.70; N, 3.75. Found: C, 63.55; H, 9.25; N, 3.60.

mp 132.degree.-135.degree., ir (KBr) 3430, 3020, 2970, 2930, 1770, 1635, 1490, 1470, 1110, 760, and 670 cm.sup.-1 ; pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 9.9 (d, 2H), 8.8 (t, 1H), 1.3 (bs, 26H), and 0.9 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.22 H.sub.38 ClNO.sub.2 : C, 68.81; H, 9.97; N, 3.65. Found: C, 68.59; H, 9.97; N, 3.60.

A mixture of 2.49 g (0.01 mol) chloromethyl n-dodecanoate (2b) and 0.82 g (0.01 mol) 1-methylimidazole were mixed and heated together at 90.degree. for 3 hours. On cooling to room temperature, anhydrous ether was added to the mixture and the mixture was triturated in anhydrous ether overnight. The solid was isolated by filtration under a nitrogen atmosphere and thoroughly washed with anhydrous ether. After drying in vacuo over calcium sulfate at room temperature, 2.4 g (0.007 mol), 70%, 2e was obtained as a white solid, mp 60.degree.-63.degree., ir (KBr) 3400, 3110, 2960, 2920, 1750, 1470, 1140 and 770 cm.sup.-1, pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 10.8 (s, 1H), 8.0 (d, 2H), 6.4 (s, 2H), 4.2 (s, 3H), 2.4 (t, 2H), 1.4 (bs, 18H) and 0.9 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.17 H.sub.31 ClN.sub.2 O.sub.2.H.sub.2 O: C, 58.52; H, 9.53; N, 8.03. Found: C, 58.85; H, 9.54; N, 8.79.

Using the procedure described for the preparation of 2e the following n-alkylcarboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium salts were prepared:

mp 68.degree.-74.degree., ir (KBr) 3400, 3180, 2960, 2920, 1750, 1470, 1140 and 770 cm.sup.-1 ; pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 10.8 (s, 1H), 8.0 (d, 2H), 6.4 (s, 2H), 4.2 (s, 3H), 2.4 (t, 2H), 1.2 (bs, 22H), and 0.9 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.19 H.sub.35 ClN.sub.2 O.sub.2.H.sub.2 O: C, 57.77; H, 9.95; N, 7.38. Found: C, 58.85; H, 9.59; N, 7.38.

mp 80.degree.-84.degree.; ir (KBr) 3410, 3110, 2960, 2925, 1760, 1470, 1140 and 750 cm.sup.-1 ; pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 10.8 (s, 1H), 8.0 (d, 2H), 6.4 (s, 2H), 4.2 (s, 3H), 2.4 (t, 2H), 1.3 (bs, 26H) and 0.9 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.21 H.sub.39 ClN.sub.2 O.sub.2.H.sub.2 O: C, 62.27; H, 10.20; N, 6.92. Found: C, 62.13; H, 10.40; N, 7.41.

2.49 g (0.01 mol) chloromethyl n-dodecanoate (1b) and 1.01 g (0.01 mol) triethylamine were mixed and heated together at 90.degree. for three hr. On cooling to room temperature, anhydrous ether was added to the mixture and the mixture was triturated in ahydrous ether overnight. The solid was isolated by filtration under a nitrogen atmosphere and thoroughly washed with ether. After drying in vacuo over calcium sulfate at room temperature 0.6 g (0.002 mol 20%, 2h was obtained as a hygroscopic solid, mp 72.degree.-77.degree..

2.49 g (0.01 mol) chloromethyl n-dodecanoate and 1.12 g (0.01 mol) 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2.]octane were mixed and allowed to react together at room temperature for 72 hr. Anhydrous ether was added to the mixture and the mixture was triturated in anhydrous ether overnite. The solid was isolated by filtration under a nitrogen atmosphere and thoroughly washed with anhydrous ether. After drying in vacuo over calcium sulfate at room temperature, 2.0 g (0.006 mol), 60%, 2i, was obtained as a white solid, mp 106.degree.-110.degree. C., ir (KBr) 3400, 2960, 2920, 1760, 1460, 1120, 1080, 1050, 850 and 830 cm.sup.-1 ; pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 5.8 (s, 2H), 4.2-3.0 (mq, 12H), 2.6 (t, 2H) 1.3 (bs, 18H) and 0.9 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.19 H.sub.37 ClN.sub.2 O.sub.2.H.sub.2 O: C, 60.21; H, 10.37; N, 7.39. Found: C, 60.86; H, 10.12; N, 7.68.

2.49 g (0.01 mol) chloromethyl n-dodecanoate and 1.50 g (0.01 mol) N-ethyl-nicotinamide were mixed and heated together at 90.degree. for 1 hr. On cooling to room temperature, anhydrous ether was added to the mixture and the mixture was triturated in anhydrous ether overnight. The solid was isolated by filtration under a nitrogen atmosphere and thoroughly washed with anhydrous ether. After drying in vacuo over calcium sulfate at room temperature, 2.6 g (0.007 mol), 70%, 2j was obtained as a white solid, mp 131.degree.-135.degree., ir (KBr) 3220, 3060, 2965, 2930, 1770, 1680, 1640, 1470, 1110 and 670 cm.sup.-1 ; pmr (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 10.5 (s, 1H), 9.8 (m, 3H), 8.3 (t, 1H), 6.8 (s, 2H), 3.6 (q, 2H), 2.5 (t, 2H), 1.3 (bs, 21H) and 0.9 (bt, 3H) ppm.

Anal. Calcd for C.sub.21 H.sub.35 ClN.sub.2 O.sub.3 : C, 63.22; H, 8.84; N, 7.02. Found: C, 62.70; H, 8.63; N, 6.90.

By following the preceding example and substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention, the following additional compounds can be prepared.

In the table set out below there is disclosed the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for certain selective compounds of the instant invention (Compounds 3-8); a corresponding short chain "soft" quaternary surface active agent (Compound 2); and a "hard" quaternary surface active agent of the prior art (cetylpyridinium chloride, Compound 1). All MIC values were determined by standard MIC determinative techniques.

As stated at the outset of the instant application, the uniqueness of the compounds of the present invention resides in their ability to exhibit sufficient antibacterial activity without attendant toxicity. That is, the compounds of the present invention being "soft" in nature will degrade into nontoxic by-products following release of their antibacterial activity.

In support of the above statement, the lethal dose 50 (LD.sub.50) of a selective compound of the present invention (IRx-1229) was determined via the intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV) routes. The procedure employed and the results obtained are set out below.

Intraperitoneal (IP) Lethal Dose 50

Compound: IRx-1229 ##STR196##

Animal: White Swiss MCR-ICR Mice

Procedure:

The compound was weighed into a 25 ml glass-stoppered flask and dissolved in 10.0 ml 0.9% NaCl, pH 7.0. Each mouse was weighed individually, and 0.01 ml of solution injected per gram of mouse body weight.

Symptoms:

In order of occurrence after injection:

(1) Lack of movement;

(2) Fur stringy and yellow;

(3) Swelling of abdomen;

(4) Trembling;

(5) Eyes irritated and shut;

(6) Darkening and paralysis of extremities; hind legs most noticeable.

Acute Toxicity (Toxicity in 24 hours):

LD.sub.50 (IP) Between 140 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg

Intravenous (IV) Lethal Dose 50

Compound: IRx-1229 ##STR197##

Animal: MCR-ICR White Swiss Male Mice Average Weight 25 grams

Procedure:

The compound was weighed into a 10.0 ml glass beaker and dissolved in varying amounts of 0.9% NaCl, pH 7.0. Each mouse was weighed individually, and injected with varying amounts of solution per gram of body weight. A 50 .mu.l syringe with a 27 gauge needle was used.

Symptoms:

Death either occurred immediately after injection or several days later, never between 5 minutes and 24 hours after injection. When death occurred immediately following injection, it was due to circulatory collapse because of too large an injection or precipitation of the compound in the bloodstream. The death was preceded by convulsions.

All mice that survived the first 24 hrs. began to show severe necrosis of the tail, and by 7 days many mice had lost all or part of their tail.

Acute Toxicity (Toxicity in 24 hours):

LD.sub.50 (IV) Preliminary study between 100 mg/kg and 133.0 mg/kg

Animal:

White Male Mice MCR-ICR Average Weight 21.9 grams. Fasted seven daytime hours prior to injection. Replaced in cage with food immediately after injection.

Procedure:

2 grams IRx-1229 weighed into weighing bottle. A 4 ml of 0.8% sodium chloride pH 7.0 added. Solution adjusted to pH 5.8 using saturated sodium bicarbonate. 0.01 ml injected per gram of mouse body weight to give 5 g/kg dose.

2 ml of above solution was diluted with 1 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride, pH 7.0 to give the second dose of 3.35 g/kg.

1 ml of the 3.35 g/kg dose was diluted 1:1 using 0.9% sodium chloride, pH 7.0 to give the third dose of 1.68 g/kg.

Results:

Total Animals Used: 30

Total Doses: 3

Animals Per dose: 10

24 hour LD.sub.50 : 4.3 g/kg

19/20 Confidence Limits: 1.76 g/kg (3.4-5.16 g/kg)

Slope: 1.35

19/20 Confidence Limits: 0.36 (1.18-1.54)

7 day LD.sub.50 : 4.11 g/kg

19/20 Confidence Limits: 3.2 g/kg (2.8-6.0 g/kg)

Slope: 1.84

19/20 Confidence Limits: 2.14 (1.06-3.2)

Symptoms:

Severe diarrhea

Phonation

Inactivity

Rough Yellow Fur (survivors at 2 days)

Acute 7-Day Oral Toxicity: LD.sub.50 4.11 g/kg.

In comparison, the toxicity of cetylpyridinium chloride, a well-known "hard" quaternary surface active agent is set out below:

Toxic Substances List 1974 Edition

1. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 120, 511 (1965).

2. M. R. Warren, et al., J. Pharmacol. Exptl. Therapeutics, 74, 401 (1942).

3. J. W. Nelson and S. C. Lyster, J. Amer. Pharm. Assoc. Sci. Ed., 35, 89 (1946).

As can be readily determined, the IP, IV and oral LD.sub.50 for a selective compound of the present invention is some 14 to 16 times greater (on an intraperitoneal basis); some 3 to 4.5 times greater (on an intravenous basis) and some 40 times greater (on an oral basis) than that observed for cetylpyridinium chloride.

Similar LD.sub.50 values will be obtained for the remaining compounds of the present invention when subjected to the abovedescribed LD.sub.50 studies.

The compounds of formulas (I) and (II) find wide application as antibacterial agents in such preparations as mouthwashes, shampoos, soaps, cosmetic bases, etc. Such formulations can be prepared in accordance with any of the procedures disclosed in "REMINGTON'S PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES" (Fourteenth Edition) 1970. Naturally, the antibacterial effective amount required for a compound of formula (I) or (II) will vary with the microorganism in question.

From the foregoing description, one of ordinary skill in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are preferably, equitably and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of the following claims.