AbstractA novel series of polymeric surfactants has been synthesized by the reaction of maleic anhydride (MA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and phthalic anhydride (PA). The unique structural features of these surfactants have been confirmed by IR, NMR and elemental analysis. These polymeric surfactants have been found to exhibit excellent surface active properties including surface tension, low‐foaming, solubilization, and dispersant properties in disperse dye systems.