Quaternary O

From
Date
Regarding QO

Quaternary O is (was) a high molecular weight (450) quaternary ammonium
surface active agent (cationic) of the imidazolinium type with a C17 alkyl
radical. I won't draw it but it is fairly simple. It has the physical
appearance of axle grease and is generally diluted 16:1 with water. It was
manufactured by Geigy Industrial Chemicals in the '60's and '70's for
mining purposes, but was found to be an excellent surfactant for washing
forams by numerous paleontology labs as a substitute for Varsol. Geigy has
not manufactured this chemical since the late '70's. There are, however,
several 55 gal. drums of the original QO left, but it is somewhat hoarded
by various companies. I have a substitute manufactured by a chemical
company in Texas. The "new" surfactant is a Coco Betaine Sulfate and acts
very similarly to the original QO. It is called Amine QO and is diluted
16:1 with water just as the original. I can send samples of Amine QO to
those that might be interested in preparing forams. There appears to be no
environmental problems using this surfactant, however, one must always be
cognizant of where the tailings are going during and after the washing
process.
I can be reached at the above email address or by calling the ARCO
Paleontology Lab (214) 509-4482 if you have further questions regarding
microfossil processing.

Steve Johnson
_______________________________________________________________________________
From: Dumont, Michael on Wed, Apr 10, 1996 7:12 AM
Subject: FW: Quaternary 0
To: Johnson, Steve

Steve,

This came over the InterNet (Paleonet). I thought you might want to answer
this fellow in regard to the Quaternary O issue and possible substitutes.

Thanks,

Mike D.
_______________________________________________________________________________
From: ARCO.CHARTIEM on Tue, Apr 9, 1996 8:41 PM
Subject: Quaternary 0
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <paleonet@ucmp1.Berkeley.EDU>; Dumont, Michael

Dear Paleonetters:

        I have tried to send this message two days ago but haven't
seen it appear on the list. To reiterate, on behalf of my friend
Mario Cournoyer, I would like to thank those who have responded to
our inquiry regarding this infamous product. We will respond
privately to interested individuals if we find any lead on this
chemical. Thank you.

Michel Chartier