Preparation and Properties of Double-Chain Surfactants Bearing Two Sulfonate Groups

Abstract

Novel surfactants with two long-chain alkyl groups and two sulfonate groups were synthesized by reactions of oligo (ethyleneglycol) diglycidyl ethers or bis (2, 3-epoxypropyl) ether with long-chain fatty alcohols, followed by reaction with propanesultone. The double-chain compounds showed good water solubility, excellent micelle forming properties and the higher ability to lower surface tension than general sulfonate type of single-chain surfactants. The effects of structural factors of these surfactants on surface active properties are discussed. These compounds were soluble and showed surface active properties in hard water above 5555 ppm of total hardness as CaCO₃. They had better lime-soap dispersing ability than sodium 1-dodecene sulfate or sodium 1-dodecane sulfonate.