Cationic gemini surfactants containing an O-substituted spacer and hydroxyethyl moiety in the polar heads: Self-assembly, biodegradability and aquatic toxicity

Abstract

Micellization and some ecological properties of new cationic gemini surfactants with oxygensubstituted spacer and hydroxyethyl groups connected to the polar heads have been studied. The incorporation of a hydroxyethyl group in the polar head favors self-aggregation whereas the presence of the oxygen in the spacer increases critical micelle concentration. Surfactants investigated are not biodegradable due to their toxic effect on microorganisms responsible for biodegradation. Aquatic toxicity increases with the hydrophobic chain and decreases by increasing the hydrophilicity of spacer and polar heads. New gemini surfactants are less toxic to the aquatic environment than monomeric surfactants and non-oxygen-containing gemini surfactants.

Synthesis of Novel Ethoxylated Quaternary Ammonium Gemini Surfactants for Enhanced Oil Recovery Application

“…In the past decades, gemini cationic surfactants containing ammonium headgroup have been extensively used for multiple oilfield applications, such as anti-corrosion in oilfield wells [1], fracturing fluid [2], micellar slug [3], foam generation [4,5], collecting and dispersing the spilled crude oil [6], reservoir stimulation [7] wettability modification [8], and enhanced oil recovery [9,10]. They possess important physicochemical activities including lower critical micelle concentration (CMC), higher interface/surface properties, good solubility, compatible with carbonate rocks, high thermal stability, and unique aggregation behavior as compared to their monomeric counterpart [5,[11][12][13]].…”

Heteroatoms and π electrons as favorable factors for efficient corrosion protection

“…Hence, dimeric quaternary ammonium salts are a promising research topic. The use of substances which are effective at much lower concentrations not only reduces their usage but also limits the amount of chemical compounds being introduced in the environment . Moreover, dimeric quaternary ammonium salts are less toxic than their monomeric analogues and their use follows green chemistry philosophy.…”

Surface and thermal properties of synthesized cationic poly(ethylene oxide) gemini surfactants: the role of the spacer

“…13 It has been proven both theoretically and experimentally that the nature of the spacer plays a key role in the physicochemical behavior of gemini surfactants. [16][17][18] The spacer could be exible (methylene units), 19 rigid (double bond or triple bond, benzene ring), 20 hydrophilic (ether linkage), 21 and hydrophobic (hydrocarbon chain). 11 The spacer, being a critical part of a gemini surfactant, regulates adsorption on the interface layer and controls aggregation.…”