What are cationic detergents?

Cationic detergents are a type of ionic detergent that has a positive charge. These are essentially quaternary ammonium salts of acetates, chlorides, or bromides.

The cationic part of these detergents contains a long hydrocarbon chain and a positively charged nitrogen atom. Cationic detergents are often used as the active component in fabric-softening agents because of their fabric-softening and anti-static properties.