Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial Activity, and Interfacial and Micellar Features of Novel Cationic Gemini Surfactants with Different Spacers

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study, four novel imidazolium‐based cationic gemini surfactants (IBCGS) have been synthesized, having same hydrocarbon chain lengths and different spacers. The impacts of type and nature of spacer on Krafft temperatures (TK) have been examined. Micellization behaviors of IBCGS have been investigated at different temperatures above TK by both surface tension and specific conductivity measurements. Surface activity properties of aqueous systems have been calculated using the results of the measurement data. Critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface pressure at CMC (ПCMC), minimum area of head group (Amin), degree of counterion binding (β), degree of counterion dissociation (α), and maximum surface excess (Γmax) of IBCGS have been calculated with data of surface tension and specific conductivity. IBCGS have low CMC values than other imidazole categories of gemini and monomeric cationic surfactants. Micelle aggregation number (Nagg) values have been determined with the steady‐state fluorescence quenching method. The values of Nagg have been found in the range of 19–28. Additionally, the antibacterial activities of IBCGS on gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria have been investigated. IBCGS studied in this article have showed perfect antibacterial activity particularly against gram‐positive bacteria. The data obtained in this study may be benefical for the surfactant applications in different areas.