Decyl quaternary ammonium compounds

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention claimed is: 1.
A quaternary ammonium compound having the structural formula ##STR4## wherein R is a lower alkyl group of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X is either a halogen having an atomic weight greater than 30, methosulfate or ethosulfate, the term decyl referring to a mixture of primary branched chain alkyl groups, each of which has 10 carbon atoms and consists of a straight chain having at least two branches.
2.
The compound of claim 1 wherein X is chlorine.
3.
The compound of claim 1 wherein R is CH.
sub.
3.
4.
The compound of claim 1 in admixture with di-n-decyl dimethylammonium halide in a ratio of between about 3:1 and about 20:1.
5.
The mixture of claim 4 in aqueous solution.
6.
The mixture of claim 4 wherein the di-n-decyl dimethylammonium halide is di-n-decyl dimethylammonium chloride.
7.
The mixture of claim 6 in aqueous solution.
8.
A method of inhibiting bacteria in an aqueous solution which comprises applying to said bacteria an inhibitorally effective amount of the compound of claim 1.
9.
A method of inhibiting bacteria in an aqueous solution which comprises applying to said bacteria an inhibitorially effective amount of the compound of claim 2.
10.
A method of inhibiting bacteria in an aqueous solution which comprises applying to said bacteria an inhibitorally effective amount of the compound of claim 3.
11.
A method of inhibiting microorganisms in an aqueous solution which comprises applying to said microorganisms an inhibitorally effective amount of the mixture of claim 4.
12.
A method of inhibiting microorganisms in an aqueous solution which comprises applying to said microorganisms an inhibitorally effective amount of the mixture of claim 6.
13.
A method of increasing the biodegradability of the compound of claim 1 in aqueous solution which comprises admixing said compound with di-n-decyl dimethylammonium halide in a ratio of between about 3:1 and about 20:1.
14.
The method of claim 13 wherein the di-n-decyl dimethylammonium halide is di-n-decyl dimethylammonium chloride