2006 Volume 55 Issue 8 Pages 381-390
Recently new classes of gemini surfactants have emerged which are composed of two hydrobhobic tails and two cationic head groups linked by spacer group i.e cationic gemini surfactants. Now a days, different types of cationic geminis have been synthesized .In comparison with corresponding single chain surfactants, these surfactants are more efficient in lowering surface tension and have much lower cmc. Due to their higher surface activity they have excellent properties of dispersion stabilization and soil cleanup. These compounds are widely used as an effective emulsifiers, dispersing and anti-foaming agents etc. Cationic gemini surfactants show good antimicrobial activities. Some of these geminis show good biodegradability too. This review paper deals with synthesis, properties, applications, and biodegradability of new cationic gemini surfactants.
