Synthesis and surface and antimicrobial properties of novel cationic surfactants

A series of surfactants with tuned polarity were prepared, including a new class of compounds: gluco-pyridinium: surfactants. Pure anomers were obtain ed by chromatographic separation. The conductivity and surface tension of s urfactant solutions in water were measured, and-provided interesting inform ation regarding their aggregation behavior. Peculiarities were observed,in the premicellar range. Tensidic parameters correlated with antimicrobial ac tivity. A few parameters, mainly the hydrophobicity of the headgroup, may p lay a role in finding more efficient antimicrobial structures.