Novel hydrolyzable and biodegradable cationic gemini surfactants: 1,3-bis[(acyloxyalkyl)dimethylammonio]-2-hydroxypropane dichloride

Novel cationic gemini surfactants, 1,3-bis[(acyloxyalkyl)dimethylammonio]-2 -hydroxypropane dichloride, which possess hydrolyzable oxycarbonyl moieties in the lipophilic portions, were prepared. These surfactants showed much b etter micelle-forming ability, ability to lower surface tension, foaming ab ility, and foam stability than corresponding single-chain surfactants. Thei r surface properties were largely influenced by changing the position of th e oxycarbonyl group in the lipophilic moiety. The critical micelle concentr ation decreased with a decreasing number of methylene units in the linking moiety between the ammonio and the oxycarbonyl groups within the comparison of lipophilic chains of the same length. These cationic gemini surfactants also showed good biodegradability.