A series of quaternary ammonium compounds that are esters of betaine and fatty alcohols with hydrocarbon chain lengths of 10 to 18 carbon atoms were tested with respect to antimicrobial activities and rates of hydrolysis. When the tetradecyl derivative was tested against some selected microorganisms, the killing effect was comparable to that of the stable quaternary ammonium compound cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. At higher pH values, both the antimicrobial effect and the rate of hydrolysis of the esters increased. However, whereas at pH 6 greater than 99.99% killing of Salmonella typhimurium was achieved with 5 micrograms/ml in 3 min, the rate of hydrolysis was less than 20% in 18 h. At pH 7, a similar killing effect was achieved in 2 min and 50% hydrolysis occurred in ca. 5 h. Thus, it is possible to exploit the rapid microbicidal effect of the compounds before they hydrolyze. The rate of hydrolysis was reduced by the presence of salt. The bactericidal effect of the betaine esters increased with the length of the hydrocarbon chain of the fatty alcohol moiety up to 18 carbon atoms. Since the hydrolysis products are normal human metabolites, the hydrolysis property may extend the use of these quaternary ammonium compounds as disinfectants and antiseptics for food and body surfaces.