Widely used as a quaternary ammonium compound, this chemical serves as a powerful disinfectant and biocide in industrial, institutional, healthcare, and food processing settings. It effectively controls the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on surfaces, making it a key ingredient in sanitizers and hard-surface cleaners. Commonly found in hospital-grade disinfectants, it is valued for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and residual effect, which continues to inhibit microbial growth after application.

It is also used in water treatment systems to control microbial contamination in cooling towers, industrial water systems, and process water. Due to its surfactant properties, it helps in penetrating biofilms, enhancing the effectiveness of cleaning protocols. In the textile and leather industries, it acts as a preservative and antimicrobial finish. In the food industry, it is used for cleaning and disinfecting food contact surfaces and equipment. Additionally, it finds use in household cleaning products, including disinfectant wipes and sprays, where reliable germ-killing performance is required. It is stable in various conditions and effective even in the presence of organic contaminants.