Triethylenetetramine-based novel cationic surfactants and their complexes with anionic polyelectrolytes

► Novel cationic surfactants have been synthesized on the bases of TETA. ► Complexes of TETA-based cationic surfactants with NPAA have been obtained. ► Thermodynamic parameters of micellization and binding with NPAA are determined. ► As alkyl group C4-7 is elongated surface activity of surfactants and complexes rises.