Synthesis of a Gemini Betaine Surfactant and Its Properties as Foam Drainage Agent

Abstract A novel betaine Gemini surfactant (B18-4-18) was synthesized by two-step reaction with N,N-dimethyl oleoaminde-propylamine, sodium 2-hydroxy-3-chloro propanesulfate and 1,4-dibromobutane as main raw materials. The structure of the synthesized betaine Gemini surfactant was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum ( 1 HNMR), the surface tension curve and related parameters were obtained by surface tension measurements. The surface tension of oleamide hydroxypropyl betaine (B18) and the Gemini surfactant (B18-4-18) at different concentrations was measured. The experimental results showed that the structure of the synthesized compounds was in conformity with the expected structure of the surfactants. The critical micelle concentration of B18 was 6.1 × 10 −6 mol/L, the corresponding surface tension was 34.27 mN/m. The critical micelle concentration of B18-4-18 was 5.0 × 10 −6 mol/L, the corresponding surface tension was 31.67 mN/m at 25°C. The liquid carrying rate of B18 and B18-4-18 can reach 87% and 92% in water respectively. The liquid carrying rate of B18 and B18-4-18 can reach 82% and 84% in 150 000 mg/L mineralized water. The liquid carrying rate of B18 and B18-4-18 can reach 64% and 67% respectively at 10% condensate oil.