Synthesis and Surface Active Properties of Dimeric Gemini Sulfonate Surfactants

Abstract

Abstract Dimeric Gemini sulfonate surfactants 1,2-di-(2-oxoypropyl sulfonate-3-alkylether- propoxy) ethane were prepared by the reaction of ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether with long-chain alcohols, followed by sulfonation with 1,3-propane sultone. Ethylene glycol ether was synthesized by the reaction of epichlorohydrin with ethylene glycol. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and elementary analysis. With the increasing length of the carbon chain, the values of their CMC initially decreased. The longer alkyl chain is, the higher melting point is. The Krafft point of Gemini sulfonate surfactants was below 0°C and they had good water solubility. These compounds were superior in surface active properties to general sulfonate surfactants SDS. The efficiency of adsorption at the water/air interface (pC20) of these surfactants was very high. Their foaming properties and wetting ability toward a felt chip, and lime-soap dispersing ability were investigated.