A number of disinfecting agents break down protein substances and enzymes by coagulating or disrupting their organic structure. Naturally, the cells die in this state. Disinfectants included in this group include alkalis and acids.

Some disinfectants attach to microorganism enzymes and change the chemical structure and activities of these enzymes and render them inoperable. In this case, the metabolism of the microorganism is disrupted and the cells die. Disinfectants included in this group also include heavy metals, salts, oxidizing agents and detergents as well as alkaline substances.

Disinfectants are divided into two parts as organic and inorganic disinfectants based on their chemical structure. The effect of organic disinfectants increases in direct proportion with the number of carbon and hydrogen in their structure. The effect of inorganic disinfectants depends on their degree of ionization in water.

Alkalis and acids belong to the group of inorganic compounds. These are disinfectants of various concentrations, such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, used for disinfection purposes. These alkaline or acid disinfectants act on proteins and are destructive to microorganisms.

Hydroxides of metals and ammonium hydroxide are generally referred to as alkali. In the chemical industry, the term alkali is used for sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, and hydroxides and carbonate compounds of calcium, barium, magnesium and ammonium. Sodium and potassium elements, which make up about five percent of the globe, are the most abundant in alkali metals.

All these chemical compounds are also used in the production of cleaning agents and disinfectants.

Alkaline disinfectants are also analyzed in the authorized laboratories within the scope of physical and chemical analyzes of disinfectants. These laboratories use world-accepted test methods and test criteria in their studies and are based on standards issued by local and foreign organizations.