New chiral polyfunctional cyclobutane derivatives from (−)-verbenone: possible surfactant behaviour

New enantiopure cyclobutane derivatives have been synthesized from a chiral precursor derived from (−)-verbenone. The cyclobutane moiety acts as a chiral platform to afford a γ-amino acid function in a branched side-chain containing an additional stereogenic centre as well as additional C6 or C16-alkyl chains linked to the ring by means of an amine or an amide function. One of these compounds, obtained as a 1:2 mixture with its TFA salt has been investigated, suggesting behaviour as a good surfactant and its critical micellar concentration has been determined.