Aggregation properties of supralong-chain surfactants with double or triple quaternary ammonium head groups

► Long alkyl chain surfactants with two or three quaternary ammonium groups have been synthesized. ► The divalent surfactants are of the type CnH2n+1N+(CH3)2-C2H4-N+(CH3)3 2Br−, n = 18, 20, and 22. ► The divalent surfactants form rod-like micelles (ca. 150 nm). ► The trivalent surfactants form ellipsoidal micelles ranging from 20 to 90 nm in average size.