Synthesis and Surface-Active Properties of a Homologous Series of Star-Like Triple-Chain Anionic Surfactants Derived from 1,1,1-Tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane

A novel homologous series of trimeric anionic surfactants, 3C n TE3CNa (where n is a fatty acid chain length of 7, 10, or 12), with three hydrocarbon chains and three carboxylate heads connected via tri-etheric bonds were synthesized from long-chain α-bromo fatty acids and a triol, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane. The obtained trimeric carboxylic acids were esterified and purified by silica gel column chromatography, then hydrolyzed with dilute sodium hydroxide solution to form a series of trimeric carboxylate surfactant products. All prepared compounds were analyzed by IR, 1 H NMR, and 13 C NMR spectroscopy to confirm their chemical structures. Their surface-active properties were investigated. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc) of 3C n TE3CNa were in the range of 0.12–0.71 mmol/L, and the surface tensions at the cmc ( γ cmc ) were 29.3–34.8 mN/m.