No abstract

The synthesis of short eco-friendly amphiphilic compounds derived from glycerol was carried out. These compounds, called solvo-surfactants, are of great interest since they exhibit both properties of solvents, e.g. volatility, solubilization of organics, and surfactants, e.g. reduction of interfacial tensions, formation of emulsions and microemulsions. Their surface activity was studied, and binary phase diagrams with water were drawn. Their sensitivity to various electrolytes from Hofmeister's series was also investigated. Short chain glycerol 1-monoethers constitute a new class of green solvo-surfactants with excellent properties, that should be seriously considered for the replacement of reprotoxic glycol ethers. They have, moreover, the advantage of helping to solve the problem of an over-production of glycerol, which is a major side-product of the biocarburant industry.

Thermophysical and bionotox properties of a new class of natural solvo-surfactants, glycerol 1-monoethers, were investigated in comparison with widespread but harmful glycol ethers. Vapour pressures and heats of vaporization were measured between 25 uC and 50 uC, and calculated thanks to two group contribution methods. Evaporation rates and Hansen parameters, evaluated from TGA measurements and group contributions respectively, were compared as well. Bionotox properties, i.e. cytotoxicity, irritating power and biodegradability, were evaluated experimentally. Glycerol 1-monoethers turned out to be less volatile than glycol derivatives, but contrary to the latter they will not be considered as VOCs. Toxicities and irritating powers are equivalent and increase with increasing alkyl chain length, i.e. with increasing amphiphilicity. Glycerol ethers are degradable at lower concentrations compared to glycol compounds, which is related to their higher interfacial activity.

No abstract