Characterization, surface properties and biological activity of some synthesized anionic surfactants

In this study, esterification reaction between four different fatty alcohols (octyl, dodecyl, hexdecyl and octadecyl alcohol) and phosphoric acid was performed. The produced compound was reacted with polyethylene glycol-400. Then, the reaction product was quenched using sodium hydroxide to form the desired anionic gemini surfactants. The chemical structures of the synthesized surfactants were recognized by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The synthesized surfactants showed higher surface activity. The emulsion stability measurements showed the applicability of these surfactants as emulsifying agents. The foaming power measurements showed the synthesized surfactants have low ability to foam formation. The thermodynamic parameters showed their tendency toward adsorption at the interfaces and also micellization in the bulk of their solutions. The studied surfactants were evaluated as antimicrobial agents against pathogenic bacteria using inhibition zone diameters. The synthesized surfactants showed good antimicrobial activities against the tested microorganisms including Gram positive, Gram negative as well as fungi. The promising inhibition efficiency of these compounds against the pathogenic bacteria facilitates them to be applicable in the petroleum field as new categories of biocides.