A series of novel sugar-based anionic-nonionic surfactants was prepared by carboxylation of mono-fatty acyl sugar esters. The molecular structure of these amphiphiles consists of a non-polar lipidic (octadecanoyl or hexadecanoyl) chain grafted to the primary hydroxyl group in various sugars (sucrose, maltose and glucose). An anionic hydrophilic carboxyl or methyl-carboxyl group was incorporated into a hydroxyl functionality of the sugar moiety. The configuration of this molecular structure involves a hydrophobic acyl tail and a sugar hydrophilic backbone bearing anionic polar head group.

The structure of this new molecular framework was characterized by FTIR, 1HNMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The data of this analysis agree with the suggested molecular structure. These molecules, investigated in details for their self-assembling performance, indicated their strong surface tension lowering efficiency, distinct foamability, rapid wetting power and long-term emulsifying stability. In addition, they possess effective soil cloth cleansing and dishwashing detergency as well as evident lime-soap dispersion efficiency. All properties analyzed were related to standard anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS).

Besides their potent surface-active characteristics, they possess obvious sequestering tolerance to calcium and magnesium metal ions, compared with those of the commercial Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

The compounds are eco-friendly and were also recognized for their distinct antimicrobial action.

The current study is concerned with a comprehensive investigation and evaluation of the functionality and possible multipurpose applications of these surface-active compounds.