Synthesis and Properties of Amide Gemini Surfactants

In the present study, three amide Gemini surfactants of different chain lengths were synthesized, namely N,N-bis-dodecyl-2,6-pyridinium dimethylamide propionate sodium (DLP-12), N,N-bis-tetradecyl-2,6-pyridinium dimethylamide propionate sodium (DLP-14) and N,N-bis-hexadecyl-2,6-pyridinium dimethylamide propionate sodium (DLP-16). Their chemical compositions and structures were characterized by FTIR, 1 H NMR and mass spectrometry. Moreover, tensiometry, Langmuir monolayer and conductivity measurements were performed to investigate the micellization and chemical surface properties of the surfactants. The results of the characterization proved that the synthesis of DLP-12, DLP-14 and DLP-16 was successful. Among the investigated surfactants DLP-16 had optimum properties such as a higher emulsification ability as well as a lower surface tension. Furthermore, by calculating the critical packing parameter (CPP), the aggregation morphology of the DLP-12, DLP-14 and DLP-16 was also predicated in this study.