Alkyl polyglycosides (APGs) of different hydrocarbon chain lengths were prepared using an indirect method involving the condensation of fatty alcohol with dextrose. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed using different spectroscopic techniques, primarily Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. The surface properties of the solutions containing different concentrations of the prepared APGs were determined at different temperatures. The results of the spectroscopic analysis demonstrate that these materials were prepared through the correct techniques, producing pure materials. The results of the critical micelle concentration (CMC) determination demonstrate that the surface properties of these compounds depend mainly on the nature of their hydrophobic component.

In the present investigation, a series of alkyl polyglycosides with alkyl chain length of C 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 were synthesized using transacetalization method. Purity of the products was investigated using high performance liquid chromatography. Surface parameters particularly Effectiveness πcmc, Efficiency Pc20, maximum surface excess Γmax, minimum surface area Amin and HLB values are investigated, in addition to thermodynamic parameters (ΔGads and ΔGmic). Resistance to hydrolysis for the prepared compounds was investigated. The synthesized compounds were tested for their biodegradability in Nile river water according to Die-away test method and their antimicrobial activity against different strains of bacteria, yeast and fungi was investigated.