Shamrock surfactants: synthesis and characterization

Two types of a new class of surfactants with three headgroups, which possess the general structure 1, have been prepared. Within structure 1, a central headgroup is connected to two flanking headgroups by hydrocarbon chains. The term "shamrock" is used to describe surfactants of structure 1, denoting their triple-headed character and reflecting the fact that shamrocks have leaflets in groups of three. The major lipophilic character of shamrock surfactants is provided by the two hydrocarbon chains linking the three headgroups and not by long-chain alkyl groups appended to the linking hydrocarbon chains or the headgroups. The new surfactants are 2a (2,2,15,15,28,28-hexamethyl-2,15,28-triazonianonacosane triiodide), 2b (2,2,15,15,28,28-hexamethyl-2,15,28-triazonianonacosane trichloride), 3a (O,O'-di-10-(N,N,N-tripropylammonio)decyl]phosphorodithioate bromide), and 3b (O,O'-di-10-(N,N,N-tributylammonio)decyl]phosphorodithioate bromide). Compound 14 (2,2,9,9,16,16-hexamethyl-2,9,16-triazoniaheptadecane triiodide) was prepared for comparison with 2a. Surfactants 2 and 3 were characterized in water by measurement of their Krafft temperatures and critical aggregation concentrations, and their aggregates were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy, dynamic laser light scattering, and phase-contrast optical microscopy. Aqueous 2b was also studied by cryo-etch high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, which revealed irregularly shaped cells containing a complex matrix of surfactant. Coacervates were observed by optical microscopy upon the hydration of 2 and 3.