US Patent 6939840 Disinfectant

Disinfectant compositions, containing (a) at least one amine and/or quaternary ammonium salt of the general formula (Ia) or (Ib):wherein R1 represents C6-18 alkyl, R2 represents benzyl or C6-18 alkyl, R3 represents C1-18 alkyl or —[CH2)2—O]nR6, where n=1-20, R4 and R5 independently of one another represent C1-4 alkyl, R6 represents hydrogen or optionally substituted phenyl and A− is a monovalent anion or the equivalent of a multivalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid; and (b) at least one alkanolamine of the general formula (II):wherein m and, if present, o and p independently of one another have the values 2 or 3 and x and y independently of one another have the values 0 or 1, or a corresponding salt. The mass ratio of the components in the formulas (I):(II) is between 20:1 and 1:20. The compositions are characterized by an excellent bactericidal and in particular fungicidal action even in small application concentrations and are suitable for use as both disinfectants and preservative agents.