Synthesis of Ester Based Cationic Pyridinium Gemini Surfactants and Appraisal of Their Surface Active Properties

New pyridinium gemini surfactants have been synthesized by esterification of halogenated carboxylic acids with long chain fatty alcohols furnishing respective esters (dodecyl-2-chloroacetate, tetradecyl-2-chloroacetate, hexadecyl-2-chloroacetate, dodecyl-2-bromoacetate, tetradecyl-2-bromoacetate and hexadecyl-2-bromoacetate) followed by their subsequent treatment with 4,4'-trimethylene dipyridine resulting in the formation of title Gemini surfactants: 4,4'-(propane-1,3-diyl)bis1-{2-(dodecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl}; 4,4'-(propane-1,3-diyl)bis{1-(2-(tetradecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl}; 4,4'-(propane-1,3-diyl)bis{1-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl} dipyridinium chlorides; 4,4'-(propane-1,3-diyl)bis{1-(2-(dodecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl}; 4,4'-(propane-1,3-diyl)bis{1-(2-(tetradecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl} and 4,4'-(propane-1,3-diyl)bis{1-(2-(hexadecyloxy)-2-oxoethyl} dipyridinium bromides. Their identifications are based on IR, H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, DEPT, COSY and Mass spectral studies. Their surface active properties were also evaluated on the basis of surface tension and conductivity measurements.