Constructing Surfactant Systems with the Characteristics of Gemini and Oligomeric Surfactants Through Noncovalent Interaction

AbstractThe superior physicochemical properties of gemini and oligomeric surfactants look promising in a variety of different applications. However, tedious covalent synthesis and complicated purification limit the development of these novel surfactants. Recently, it has been demonstrated as feasible to use noncovalent interactions to construct surfactant systems with the characteristics of gemini or oligomeric surfactants. This short review discusses the strategies of constructing gemini‐like or oligomeric‐like surfactants through noncovalent interactions by choosing proper building blocks, single‐chain surfactants and gemini surfactants along with connecting molecules containing double or multiple binding sites. The current progress in this field has been summarized. This very simple and efficient way to obtain gemini and oligomeric surfactants may make a practical impact on the surfactant industry.