Abstract: A series of cationic gemini surfactants with different spacer chain lengths and hydrophobic groups were synthesized. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry(FT-IR) and mass spectrometry(MS) indicated that the structures of the products were fully identical with the design molecular. Further, measurements of the surface property were conducted, showing that all of them had lower surface tension, and their critical micelle concentration(CMC) obviously declined with the increasing length of the flexible hydrophilic spacer groups and hydrophobic groups. In addition, the emulsifying capacity was better than the traditional single-chain surfactants.

Key words: cationic surfactant, critical micelle concentration(CMC), ethylene glycol, gemini surfactant