Gemini Surfactants Foam Formation Ability and Foam Stability Depends on Spacer Length

A series of cationic gemini surfactants containing different spacer length were synthesized and analyzed structurally. It was shown that the surface tension (σ) and critical micelle concentration (CMC), which had a maximum for the n-C₄H₈ spacer depended on the spacer length. The foaming ability and foam stability are high for the gemini surfactants with short spacers (C₂H₄ to n-C₄H₈), while longer spacers lead to a distinct decrease of these foam parameters. Foaming properties are discussed in terms of configuration and conformation of a surfactant molecule and in relation to micellization state kinetic.