Organogels from a vitamin C-based surfactant

A new double chained surfactant, 2-octyl-dodecanoyl-6-O-ascorbic acid (8ASC10), with a L-ascorbic acid unit as the polar headgroup was synthesized for the first time. The behavior of the compound in the dry solid state has been characterized through DSC, XRD, and SAXS measurements. The surfactant forms stable viscous organogels in the presence of suitable organic solvents and also water-induced organogels upon addition of water to the organogel. These mixtures show shear-thinning properties and are birefringent. The behavior and properties of the organogels have been studied through rheology, DSC, and SAXS experiments. The organogels possess the same antioxidant properties of the original L-ascorbic acid ring and can be used to solubilize and protect valuable organic molecules.