Synthesis, aggregation behavior and interfacial activity of branched alkylbenzenesulfonate gemini surfactants

► Three branched alkylbenzenesulfonate gemini surfactants have been synthesized. ► Alkyl side branches generate significant increases in CAC and Amin. ► The branching factor does not change the air/water surface tension regularly. ► The surfactants display high efficiency in reducing toluene/water interfacial tension. ► These branched gemini surfactants form spherical vesicles in aqueous solution.