Micellar properties of two-headed surfactant systems: the disodium 1,2-alkanedisulfates

Abstract

A family of two-headed surfactants, the disodium 1,2-alkanedisulfates, has been synthesized by the addition of chlorosulfonic acid to the corresponding 1,2-alkanediol. The ability of these salts to form micelles in aqueous solution is demonstrated from solution conductance measurements and counterion activity measurements of the sodium ion. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc's) and apparent degrees of counterion binding (β′ values) of these surfactants indicate that the addition of the second headgroup has a profound effect on the micelles formed by the disulfates when compared to their monosulfate analogues. Keywords: surfactants, synthesis, micellization, cmc values, counterion binding.