Chemical Agents, Mechanism of Action, Applications, Examples

Halogens

Elements such as chlorine and iodine that are used as disinfectants.

Iodine

A skin antiseptic that may kill spores and is effective in sterilizing surfaces.

Chlorine

A halogen used for the disinfection of water supplies, effective in destroying vegetative bacteria and fungi.

Aldehydes (glutaraldehyde)

Chemical agents that inactivate proteins and are sporicidal, used as chemical sterilants.

Gases (ethylene oxide)

Used to sterilize heat-sensitive materials, effective against microbes and spores.

Phenol (triclosan)

A common laboratory and hospital disinfectant that denatures proteins and disrupts cell membranes.

Chlorhexidine

A disinfectant that targets cell membranes, cell walls, and proteins; effective against a wide range of microorganisms.

Alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol)

Widely used disinfectants that denature proteins and can inactivate some viruses.

Heavy metal compounds (silver nitrate)

Compounds that combine with and inactivate proteins, used topically but usually toxic.

Acids and alkalies

Agents that alter pH, commonly used in food preservation.