Short chain glycerol 1-monoethers-a new class of green solvo-surfactants

Abstract

The synthesis of short eco-friendly amphiphilic compds. derived from glycerol was carried out. These compds., called solvo-surfactants, are of great interest since they exhibit both properties of solvents, e.g. volatility, solubilization of orgs., and surfactants, e.g. redn. of interfacial tensions, formation of emulsions and microemulsions. Their surface activity was studied, and binary phase diagrams with water were drawn. Their sensitivity to various electrolytes from Hofmeister's series was also studied. Short chain glycerol 1-monoethers constitute a new class of green solvo-surfactants with excellent properties, that should be seriously considered for the replacement of reprotoxic glycol ethers. They have, moreover, the advantage of helping to solve the problem of an over-prodn. of glycerol, which is a major side-product of the biocarburant industry.