Abstract: Novel Brönsted acid-surfactants with different alkyl chains were synthesized via a two-step process, and their surface properties were studied. The critical micelle concentration(cmc), surface tension at the cmc(γ_cmc), and ability of these compounds to lower the surface tension by 0.02 N/m(C₂₀ and pC₂₀) were investigated at 25 and 40℃. The molecular architecture of the compounds strongly influenced these physicochemical parameters. The ability of these compounds to lower surface tension was found to be good. Etherification in microemulsions formed by these surfactants as well as dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid(DBSA) was performed; surfactants 3a and 3b were found to be much more efficient than dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid(DBSA).

Key words: Brönsted acid surfactant, Microemulsion, Critical micelle concentration(cmc), Etherification