Synthesis, characterization, and surface properties of phenylalanine-glycerol ether Surfactants

A novel homologous series of 1-N-L-phenylalanine-glycerol ether surfactants was synthesized in satisfactory yields via reaction of epichlorohydrin with aliphatic alcohols with alkyl chains of 10-15 carbon atoms. Structural assignment of the new compounds was made on the basis of elemental analysis and spectroscopic data. Critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension at the CMC (TCMC), surfactant concentration required to reduce the surface tension of the solvent by 20 mN/m (pC(20)), and the interfacial area occupied by the surfactant molecules (A(min)) were determined from aqueous surface tension measurements using the Wilhelmy plate technique.