The disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) provides a complex of at least one halogen and a compound comprising at least one ether, thioether, and/or imine moiety and at least two lactam moieties. The disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) further provides compositions comprising the complexes and applications thereof in various industrial areas including personal care, home care, pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials, disinfectants, biocides, germicides, and coatings.