Chapter 11 Chhemical Categories

Halogens: Iodine, Chlorine - Mode of Action

denature proteins permanently

Halogens: Iodine, Chlorine - Use

used to purify water (chlorine/bleach)

Phenolics - Mode of Action

disrupts cell wall, membrane, and proteins

Phenolics - Use

general disinfectant (Lysol)

Chlorhexidine - Mode of Action

disrupts plasma membrane

Chlorhexidine - Use

peridex → mouthwath

handwashing, med prep, antispetic technique

Alcohols - Mode of Action

dissolve membrane lipids, denature protein

Alcohols - Use

skin degermming (70-90%70% more microbial because it coagulates

Hydrogen Peroxide and related germicides - Mode of Action

highly toxic and reactive to cell membranes

Hydrogen Peroxide and related germicides - Use

wound cleaning, mouthwash, antispetic

Cationic detergents: Quaternary ammonium compounds – quats - Mode of Action

disrupt plasma membrane and denature protein

Cationic detergents: Quaternary ammonium compounds – quats - Use

clean restaurant utensils equpiment, mixed with soap typically, floors

Heavy metals - Mode of Action

denature proteins

Heavy metals - Use

limtied use now but used to be for surfaces (metal table at vet)

Aldehydes - Mode of Action

denature proteins

Aldehydes - Use

Sterilize medical equipment and cannot physically heat it up

Gaseous Sterilant - Mode of Action

denature proteins and disrupts Nucleic Acids

Gaseous Sterilant - Use

Used to sterilize heat sensitive objects (Ethylene oxide)