Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Amido-Amine-Based Cationic Gemini Surfactants

A series of novel cationic gemini surfactants were synthesized from corresponding amido-amines in a single step reaction. The amido-amines were obtained from long chain carboxylic acids and 3-N,N-dimethylamino-1-propyl-amine with excellent isolated yield (up to 95 %). All the synthesized quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) were further investigated for surface active properties. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the effectiveness of surface tension reduction were determined. The surface tension measurements of newly synthesized gemini surfactants showed good water solubility, and low CMC values, had great efficiency in lowering the surface tension and a strong adsorption at the air/water interface than the corresponding monomeric surfactants. Further, the antibacterial activity of the synthesized QACs against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was also investigated.