New anionic gemini surfactant based on EDTA accessible by convenient synthesis

A straightforward, broadly applicable synthetic strategy to anionic dimeric ("gemini") surfactants is demonstrated, reacting ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) dianhydride with fatty amines. Characteristic surfactant properties in water are examined for the model compound based on N-methyidodecylamine. The new dimeric surfactant exhibits a low value for the critical micellization concentration (cmc < 10(-4) MM), low surface tension at the cmc, and an enhanced solubilization capacity in comparison with a monomeric reference surfactant, sodium laurate. In particular, solutions of the gemini surfactant are remarkably stable in hard water, compared to conventional carboxylate surfactants.