Synthesis and properties of renewable citronellol based biodegradable anionic surfactant

New ester functionalized branched anionic surfactant—sodium citronellyl sulfoacetate (SCSA) is developed from naturally occurring acyclic monoterpene citronellol. This new surfactant is investigated for its self-aggregation, detergent, and biodegradation properties. Surface properties of the SCSA are determined by surface tension and conductivity method. Hydrodynamic radius of the micelles formed by the new surfactant is determined by dynamic light scattering technique. Detergency and foaming properties of the new surfactant are determined by Tergotometer and Ross-Miles method respectively. Further, the biodegradation property of the SCSA was determined by the BOD method. The experimental evaluation result establishes SCSA to be a good sustainable alternative to petrochemical derived surfactants. The new surfactant demonstrated good surface activity along with excellent detergent and biodegradation properties.