Study of Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Arginine Derived Cationic Surfactants

The invention concerns the preparation of cationic surfactants derived from the condensation of an acid chloride, preferably a fatty acid with a number of carbon atoms 8 and 14 with esterified amino acids, preferably basic-type amino acids, like (L)-Lysine and (L)-arginine, more preferably (L)-arginine. The method comprises a first step in which the esterification of the amino acid with an alcohol is performed and a second step for the condensation with a chloride of fatty acid, using Schotten Baumann conditions. These surfactants constitute a novel class of chemicals of low toxicity with excellent surface properties and considerable antimicrobial activity. The physicochemical properties of the compounds of invention are compared against commercially available LAE (Lauroylarginine Et ester) and SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate).