Synthesis, characterization and surface-active properties of surfactants having dipeptidyl linkage as hydrophilic group

A homologous series of surfactants, N-(phe-gly) glycerol ether, has been synthesized from phe-gly dipeptide and product of the reaction of epichlorohydrin and aliphatic alcohols with alkyl chains of 10-15 carbon atoms. Specifically, the critical micelle concentration, effectiveness of surface tension reduction, maximum surface excess, minimum surface area and standard free energies of micellization and of adsorbtion have been determined from aqueous surface tension measurements using the Wilhelmy plate technique. All the surfactants have good surface properties and wetting capability. They are slightly soluble in water and highly soluble in alkaline methanol and alkaline water. As compared to the tryptophan-based surfactants, the studied surfactants have low CMC.