Full Length ArticleSynthesis, surface properties and biological activity of N,N,N-tris(hydroxymethyl)-2-oxo-2-(2-(2-(alkanoyloxy) ethoxy)ethoxy) ethanaminium chloride surfactants

A new series of some cationic surfactants were synthesized namely: 2-(2-(2-(dodecanoyloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)-N,N,N-tris(hydroxymethyl)-2-oxoethanaminium (DDAC); N,N,N-tris(hydroxymethyl)-2-oxo-2-(2-(2-(tetradecanoyloxy) ethoxy)ethoxy) ethanaminium (TDAC) and N,N,N-tris(hydroxymethyl)-2-oxo-2-(2-(2-(hexadecanoyloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanaminium (HDAC). The chemical structures of the synthesized cationic surfactants were confirmed using FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopies. The surface tension of the synthesized cationic surfactants was measured at 25, 40 and 55 °C. The surface parameters were determined from the surface tension measurements. The emulsification power and foaming power measurements showed the applicability of these surfactants in the oil field. The biological activity of the synthesized surfactants was measured against pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergllus niger) using inhibition zone diameters. The obtained data revealed that the dodecanoate derivative (DDAC) has more antimicrobial activity against the investigated microorganisms than tetradecanoate and hexadecanoate derivatives (TDAC and HDAC).