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

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Journal of Surfactants and Detergents

Abstract

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, 1H NMR, and 13C 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.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the fund for supporting the Specially Appointed Professor from the Qiqihar University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar, 161006, China

    Xu Li, Fenglan Xing, Qun Xu, Xiaolong Sun, Yuping Wang, Liyan Wang & Pinglang Wang

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  1. Xu Li
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  2. Fenglan Xing
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  3. Qun Xu
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  4. Xiaolong Sun
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  5. Yuping Wang
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  6. Liyan Wang
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  7. Pinglang Wang
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Correspondence to Pinglang Wang.

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Li, X., Xing, F., Xu, Q. et al. Synthesis and Surface-Active Properties of a Homologous Series of Star-Like Triple-Chain Anionic Surfactants Derived from 1,1,1-Tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane. J Surfact Deterg 19, 129–135 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11743-015-1751-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11743-015-1751-1

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