The synthesis of different types of amphiphilic compounds containing peptid
oamine groups leads to surfactants with original properties such as the abi
lity to coordinate metal ions. Water soluble acylcarcinine and alkylamidoca
rnosine surfactants are compared and the preparation of a silyloxyalkylamid
ocarnosine is described. The latter can be copolymerised with tetraalkoxysi
lanes to yield amphipathic organo-mineral solids that are also good ligands
for metal cations.