Novel Phospholium‐Type Cationic Surfactants: Synthesis, Aggregation Properties and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract A series of novel phospholium amphiphilic compounds with straight alkyl chains with different numbers of carbon atoms (12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) were synthesized. The quaternary phosphorus, phosphonium cation, is incorporated into a five‐membered heterocyclic ring. Their physicochemical properties were investigated by measurements of surface tension, conductivity and dynamic light scattering. The critical micelle concentration ( c M ), the surface tension value at the c M ( γ cmc ), the surface area at the surface saturation per head group ( A cmc ), the ionization degree of micelle (α), the free energy of micellization ( ΔG° mic ), and hydrodynamic diameter ( d h ) were determined. Antimicrobial activity was tested against bacteria and yeast. The structure–activity relationship was determined.