Polycationic biocides with pendant quaternary groups. I - Effect of the structure of phosphonium salts grafted on "gel"-type styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers on removal of bacteria from water

Phosphonium salts grafted on styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers were obtained by quaternization poly mer-analogous reactions. The proposed procedure for preparation is simple and efficient. The function alization degrees with quaternary phosphonium salts are well suited for subsequent use of the products as antibacterial agents. A study of the removal of Escherichia Coli cells from water by phosphonium salts grafted on styrene-7% (or 5%) divinylbenzene copolymer was made. Hydrophobicity of the substituent affected the antibacterial activity of the phosphonium salts grafted on "gel"-type styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers. Removal coefficient (R) increased with the increase of the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl radical from the phosphonium salts.