| abstract |
According to the invention, an improved class of amphoteric surfactants having improved surfactants properties characterized as mild and environmentally benign has been provided comprising compounds of general formula (I) wherein R independently represents a C5 to C22 alkyl or acyl (RCO-); R1 represents a C1 to C6 alkyl or hydrogen; R2 independently represents -O- or -N (R4)- CH2CH2SO3 wherein R4 represents a C1 to C6 alkyl, cycloalkyl or hydrogen; R3 represents a C2 to C20 alkyl or aryl with the further stipulation that both R1 and R3 can be components of a heterocyclic ring and M is Na, K, NH4, an organic base, or hydrogen. In addition to the novel compounds per se, the invention also provides new methods for the preparation of the amphoteric gemini surfactants as well as improved synergistic compositions that are obtained when the amphoteric geminis are blended with other surfactants. |