ISO 2871-2:2010 specifies a method for the determination of low-molecular-mass cationic-active materials such as monoamines, amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds and alkyl-pyridinium salts which have a main chain of 10 to 22 carbon atoms and not more than 6 other carbon atoms in the cation. The method is also suitable for other cationic-active materials.

The method is applicable to solids or to aqueous solutions of the active material. The method is not applicable if anionic and/or amphoteric surface active agents are present.