Without chemistry there would literally be nothing.
Chemistry is essential for our life and our existence in the material world. This review presents a synthetic look at current work devoted to structure, synthesis and applications of gemini surfactants.Įverything in the world involves chemistry and chemicals. A large number of papers concerning gemini surfactants have been published so far. The unique properties of gemini surfactants with a wide range of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) make them a very useful, innovative material in detergents, cosmetics, personal care products, additives for paints and coatings, biocides, material science, organic synthesis, pharmacy, textiles, enhanced oil recovery, nanotechnology, petroleum and many other branches of life. Critical micelle concentrations (CMCs), surface tension (γ) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) are dozen times lower than corresponding parameters of monomeric surfactants. The neutral charge of the molecule is retained by the presence of organic or inorganic counterions. The spacer can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Gemini cationic surfactants are compounds which are composed of two hydrophilic head groups and two hydrophobic tails linked by a spacer at the head groups or closed to them.