Synthesis of Alkyl Monoglucoside Citric Monoester and Properties of Its Sodium Salt

A series of disodium alkyl monoglucoside citric monoesters (AG‐EC) were synthesized with an indirect method using glucosides, lauryl/decyl/octyl alcohol and citric acid. The structure and composition of the synthesized surfactants were defined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The surface properties, foaming ability and wetting ability were investigated. AG‐EC surfactants exhibited excellent water solubility which eliminated the defect of long‐chain alkyl glucoside. All three surfactants showed high surface activities. AG12‐EC and AG10‐EC showed remarkable foaming abilities in distilled water and hard water. Aqueous solutions of AG‐EC surfactants spread slowly on a parafilm surface.