Synthesis and Applications of Alkylbenzene Sulfonate Gemini Surfactants

A series of anionic Gemini surfactants with the same structure except for the spacer and side chain length of the alkylbenzene sulfonate were synthesized based on dodecyl benzene and toluene. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The effect of spacer and side chain length on the interfacial tension of Gemini surfactant solution was investigated by comparison of the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the surfactants in aqueous solution using the drop volume method, and the surface tension at the cmc (γcmc). The Gemini surfactant with the best properties was used as emulsifier in emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, and its foam stability was also determined.