Disclosed is a polymeric, ionic compound comprising at least 5 imidazolium groups, which compound is obtainable by simultaneously reacting glyoxal, formaldehyde, at least one C4-C8alkylene diamine, at least one protic acid, and a C8-C20alkylamine, especially by simultaneously reacting glyoxal, formaldehyde, hexylene diamine, acetic acid and dodecylamine. The polymeric, ionic compound comprising at least 5 imidazolium groups shows advantageous antimicrobial properties, and may be used in various formulations for application fields including plant protection, personal care, home care, industrial or institutional or hospital disinfection, material protection, or pharmaceuticals.
