A Convenient Synthesis of Quaternary Ammonium Gemini Surfactants from Long-chain alkyldimethylamines and Epichlorohydrin

Abstract

Aqueous micellar systems proved to be an excellent reaction medium for the selective synthesis of bis-quaternary ammonium salts 5a-c from epichlorohydrin 2 and long-chain alkyldimethylamines 1a-c, in the presence of the corresponding amine chlorohydrates 3a-c as functional surfactants. Unlike alcohol or alcohol-water mixtures as reaction medium, mono-quaternary ammonium salts 4a-c were formed, if any, in very small amounts under micellar conditions, allowing a more direct and rapid access to these quaternary ammonium gemini surfactants.