Synthesis and properties of destructible anionic and cationic surfactants with a 1,3‐dioxolane ring

A convenient synthetic method for the preparation of destructible surfactants containing a 1,3‐dioxolane ring with various substituents is described. The substituents include carboxylate, quaternary ammonium, and several aliphatic alkyl groups, such as hydrophilic or hydrophobic groups. These novel surfactants had good surface activity, and were easily hydrolyzed under acidic conditions. They also catalyzed aliphatic halide substitution.