Chemoenzymatic synthesis and properties of novel lactone-type anionic surfactants

Two series of lactone-type surfactants with and without a hexyl side chain were prepared by the cyclocondensation of dimethyl alkanedioates with unsaturated diols, such as cis-2-butene-1,4-diol and ricinoleyl alcohol, using a lipase, followed by the addition of hydrophilic 3-mercaptopropionic acid in the presence of triethylamine. The lactone-type surfactants showed clear cmc values and surface tension lowering in aqueous solution irrespective of the hexyl side chain. It was found that the cmc values of lactone-type surfactants were lower than that of typical anionics, e.g., sodium laurate, and the cmc value became lower with increasing size of the lactone ring. The adsorption area at the surface of the aqueous lactone-type surfactant solution was larger when compared to the corresponding non-lactone-type surfactants. Lactone-type surfactants without the hexyl side chain aggregated quickly, forming 3-10 nm micelles; on the other hand, lactone-type surfactants with the hexyl side chain formed significantly larger micelles. This is due to the steric hindrance of the hexyl group on the lactone ring. The solubilization ability of the lactone-type surfactants with a hexyl side chain was superior to those without a hexyl side chain. The lactone-type surfactants showed a high foaming power and low foaming stability. They were also biodegraded by activated sludge.