Preparation and properties of double- or triple- chain surfactants with two sulfonate groups derived fromN- Acyldiethanolamines

Bis(sulfonate) types of amphipathic compounds with three long- chain alkyl groups were prepared by the reaction ofN- (long- chain acyl)diethanolamine diglycidyl ethers with long- chain fatty alcohols, followed by the reaction with propanesultone. The diglycidyl ethers were easily obtained from the correspondingN- acyldiethanolamines and epichlorohydrin in the presence of a phasetransfer catalyst. The same types of compounds with two longchain alkyl groups were also prepared from Nacetyldiethanolamine according to similar procedures. All these new double- or triple- chain surfactants were soluble in water and showed much better micelle forming and ability to lower surface tension than general types of single- chain surfactants with one sulfonate group. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and γ_CMC values of the triple- chain compounds were still much smaller than those of the corresponding double- chain compounds with two common alkyl groups. The efficiency of adsorption at the water/air interface (pC₂₀) of these surfactants was very high. Their foaming properties, wetting ability toward a felt chip, and lime- soap dispersing ability were measured. To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 2-1, Suita, Osaka 565, Japan.