Oil-in-water microemulsions based on cationic surfactants with a hydroxyalkyl fragment in the head group

► Behavior of microemulsions and micelles of hydroxyalkylated surfactants is compared. ► The surface potential in microemulsions is lower than in the micellar solutions. ► Microdrop radius increases with the transition from cationic to zwitter-ionic forms. ► Catalytic effect of microemulsion on alkaline hydrolysis of esters is evaluated. ► Hydrogen bonds activate esters and increase the rate of hydrolytic processes.