2006 Volume 55 Issue 5 Pages 215-226
Anionic gemini surfactants are a new class of surfactants that comprise of two anionic head groups and two hydrophobic tails separated by a spacer group. Anionic gemini surfactants have low cmc values and show extraordinary surface activity. These surfactants have good water solubility and their ability to form micelles and lowering surface tension characteristics are fairly good as compared to conventional anionic surfactants. These surfactants have excellent lime soap dispersing ability (LSDA) too. Because of their higher surface activity these surfactants are used as promising surfactants in industrial detergency and emulsification. These surfactants are cost effective in area such as laundry detergent compositions, soil clean up, enhanced oil recovery and hydrotropic agents. This review deals with structure, synthesis, critical micelle concentration, surface active properties, performance properties, uses and biodegradability of anionic geminis.
