Photochemical Key Steps in the Synthesis of Surfactants from Furfural‐Derived Intermediates

Furfural is oxidized to 2[5H]‐furanone by using hydrogen peroxide or to 5‐hydroxy‐2[5H]‐furanone by using photo‐oxygenation. An amine function is introduced by photochemically induced radical addition of tertiairy amines, some of which carry ann‐alkyl side chain as hydrophobic moiety. These amines are produced from fatty aldehydes and cyclic secondary amines. The resulting adducts are transformed into amphoteric surfactants possessing an ammonium and a carboxylate function. Amphoteric (pKNand isoelectric point) and surfactant properties such as the critical micelle concentration and the adsorption efficiency are determined.