Synthesis and emulsifier properties of a new bio-sourced surfactant based on isosorbide

• Dodecylamino Diglycidyl Ether of Isosorbide (DoDGEDAS) was synthesized as novel cationic bio-sourced surfactant.
• The DoDGEDAS surfactant has excellent emulsifier properties at low concentrations and good thermal stability.
• O/W emulsions were fabricated using low concentration of DoDGEDAS as emulsifier.

A facile and effective method for the preparation of a new cationic surfactant derived from isosorbide is introduced. The synthesis consists in condensation of isosorbide and epichlorhydrin yielding a low molar mass prepolymer (DGEDAS) and subsequent condensation to a fatty amine. The derived Dodecylamino Diglycidyl Ether of Isosorbide (DoDGEDAS) surfactant was characterized for its chemical structure using 1H NMR and size exclusion chromatography, and for its surfactant properties by CMC measurements and stabilization ability of O/W emulsions. A very low critical micelle concentration was determined by electrical conductivity. Stable O/W emulsions were prepared using low concentrations of DoDGEDAS as emulsifier. The thermal stability of DoDGEDAS up to 300 °C makes it suitable for applications at high temperatures, and its cationic character is a good starting point regarding applications requiring strong adsorption to negatively charged surfaces.

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