Zwitterionic Geminis. Coacervate Formation from a Single Organic Compound

Abstract

Easily “tunable” zwitterionic gemini surfactants were prepared with a wide variety of chain combinations. These geminis self-assemble into micelles, vesicles, and tubules at low concentrations in water. Two particularly remarkable geminis form a coacervate whose “sponge-like” structure is visible by cryo-high-resolution scanning electron microscopy.