Synthesis of Carboxylate-Based Anionic surfactant from Coconut Oil Source and Characterization of Interfacial Properties

Abstract

In this study, a carboxylate-based anionic surfactant SLEC-3 was prepared from coconut oil and the structure was elucidated by using FT-IR, H-1-NMR and C-13-NMR analysis. Measurements of interfacial properties such as critical micelle concentration, static and dynamic surface tensions, emulsification index, and foam stability have shown that SLEC-3 is better in terms of interfacial activity and more effective in lowering interfacial free energy than those of SLES, which has been widely used as a conventional anionic surfactant in the detergent industry. Biodegradability, acute oral toxicity and dermal irritation tests also revealed that SLEC-3 surfactant possesses excellent mildness and low toxicity, indicating the potential applicability in detergents and cleaner products formulation.