A series of di-anionic cleavable surfactants were prepared by the condensation of aldehydes with 2,2-b/s(hydroxymethyll-l,3-propanediol, followed by reaction with 1,3propanesultone in the presence of sodium hydride. Surfactant 5a had a different 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum in D20 than products 5b-d. This was rationalized by its different conformation, which originates from the self-coiling of its alkyl chain. The critical micelle concentrations, Krafft points and hydrolysis properties of these surfactants were determined.