Abstract
Amine oxides are amine-based surfactants, represent one of the smaller classes of surfactants as compared to alcohol ethoxylates and sulfonated and sulfated anionic surfactants. However, the uniqueness of the hydrophile in such surfactants provides specific properties that are difficult, if not impossible, to replicate by the use of classic nonionic and anionic surfactants. The aim of the present paper is to survey the most important developments and understandings of the chemistry of amine oxide production, it’s physico-chemical studies, applications and environmental properties.
