Physical chemical characteristics of dicarboxylic amino acid-based surfactants

► Dicarboxylic amino-acid based surfactants have 4-5 times higher CMC than the corresponding monocarboxylic specie. ► The amide bond enables a better packing both in bulk and at interfaces. ► Dodecylglutamate forms intermolecular complexes with calcium in bulk and at the air-water interface. ► Dodecylaspartate adsorbs strongly on calcium containing surfaces.